British Composers: Holst

On this CD:

1. The Perfect Fool, opera & ballet, Op. 39, H. 150
Composed by Gustav Holst
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Andre Previn

2. Egdon Heath (Homage to Hardy), for orchestra, Op. 47, H. 172
Composed by Gustav Holst
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Andre Previn

3. The Planets, suite for orchestra & female chorus, Op. 32, H. 125
Composed by Gustav Holst
Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
Conducted by Sir Adrian Boult

British Composers: Holst, Music, Gustav Holst, André Previn, Sir Adrian Boult, London Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra, 20th/21st Century Occasional Music, British 20th/21st Century Opera, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Opera, Orchestral, Orchestral & Symphonic, Suite for Orchestra
British and American Band Classics
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fennell Interpretation
  • Symphonic Band Memories
  • Fennell - A Wind Band Pioneer
  • The Gold Standard for Symphonic Band Music
  • Hold On To Your Socks!
 British and American Band Classics

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by HolstAll Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WaltonAll Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fennell: Suites 1 & 2 / Folk Song Suite / Toccata Marziale
  2. Frederick Fennell & the Eastman Wind Ensemble: Grainger; Persichetti...
  3. Fennell Conducts Hands Across the Sea
  4. Frederick Fennell & the Eastman Wind Ensemble: Sullivan; Rossini-Respighi...
  5. British Wind Band Classics

ASIN: B0000057KR
Release Date: 1990-10-19

Tracks:

  1. The Earle Of Oxford's Marche: Suite 'William Byrd'
  2. Pavana: Suite 'William Byrd'
  3. Jhon Come Kisse Me Now: Suite 'William Byrd'
  4. The Mayden's Song: Suite 'William Byrd'
  5. Wolsey's Wife: Suite 'William Byrd'
  6. The Bells: Suite 'William Byrd'
  7. A Coronation March: 'Crown Imperial'
  8. 'Hammersmith': Prelude And Scherzo, Opus 52
  9. Serenade: Symphonic Songs For Band
  10. Robert Russell Bennett: Symphonic Songs For Band
  11. Celebration: Symphonic Songs For Band
  12. Fanfare And Allegro

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fennell Interpretation.......2007-05-14

For Band Conductors / Teachers, there is no better conducting interpretation than those of Frederick Fennell. Tho these recordings are not new recordings, they are still viable interpretations. Glad to see them still available.

4 out of 5 stars Symphonic Band Memories.......2005-09-05

I bought this album primarily for the "Symphonic Songs for Band" suite by Robert Russell Bennett and the "Fanfare and Allegro" By Clifton Williams. They are the favorite pieces I was privledged to participate in performing while a member of the Cal Poly symphonic ban in the 70's. I also remember performing them in high school. I was not disappointed in purchasing this disc! The performances captured here are excellent! The music sends chills down my spine .... I highly recommend the entire album for anyone interested in the genre of symphonic band music!

5 out of 5 stars Fennell - A Wind Band Pioneer.......2002-03-08

'British and American Band Classics' is a great disc for band lovers and music lovers in general. Frederick Fennell has been one of the top leaders in wind band music for decades. Here, one of his early recordings with the Eastman Wind Ensemble survives as a ground-breaking event in wind band music.

Anyone not familiar with Gordon Jacob's "William Byrd" Suite, "Crown Imperial," or any of the other greats on this disc should check out what serious band literature is available. In fact, this music has been available for many years, and has stood the test of time. I would buy the disc just for Clifton Williams' "Fanfare and Allegro," one of the most exciting works for band ever written. It will get your blood pumping!

Contrary to to other reviewers, these performances are not flawless. Intonation is a real problem that shows up especially in the William Byrd Suite, particularly in "The Earle of Oxford's March," and "The Bells." For me, the trumpets are too harsh in some of "Crown Imperial," but these factors wouldn't keep me from purchasing the disc. Remember, these recordings were made in 1958 and 1959...A lot has changed since then! However, no recording is perfect, and this one deserves a place in your collection of great music.

5 out of 5 stars The Gold Standard for Symphonic Band Music.......2000-12-01

This is the second of the two gold standard recordings of symphonic band music, the first being the prior Mercury recording of Fennel conducting the Eastman Winds performing the Holst overture and Vaughan Williams' Folksong Suite. The arrangement, the conductor, the performance, the interpretation are all perfect; one can only wonder what a current all digital master would sound like. Close call whether the vinyl through a tube power amp gives cleaner bass, but by all means get this CD for an indelible recording of unforgettable music.

5 out of 5 stars Hold On To Your Socks!.......2000-11-19

I waited sixteen years for this recording to become available again, after first hearing it on the radio, and it was well worth the wait. The sound on this release, as well as on the others in this Mercury series of vintage recordings, is amazingly spacious and dynamic. This disc's rousing version of the Crown Imperial Coronation March is THE definitive recorded performance of that work. Complete with a stirring, regal melody, startling cannon blast, majestic organ, chimes, cymbals, shattering gong crashes, and thunderous drums, it will literally blow your socks off!
British Wind Band Classics
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • British Wind Band Music
  • Reliving past glory...
  • Great Collection!
  • English Folk Song Suite
  • A Great Recording and Must For Your Collection!
 British Wind Band Classics

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by HolstAll Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Vaughan Williams, RalphVaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Classic Big BandClassic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Grainger: Works For Wind Orchestra,Vol.4
  2. Fennell: Suites 1 & 2 / Folk Song Suite / Toccata Marziale
  3. British and American Band Classics
  4. Frederick Fennell & the Eastman Wind Ensemble: Grainger; Persichetti...
  5. Fennell Conducts Hands Across the Sea

ASIN: B00000I0TH
Release Date: 1999-02-09

Tracks:

  1. First Suite For Military Band, Op. 28 No. 1, In E Flat Major: I Chaconne: Allegro moderato
  2. First Suite For Military Band, Op. 28 No. 1, In E Flat Major: II Intermezzo: Vivace
  3. First Suite For Military Band, Op. 28 No. 1, In E Flat Major: III March: Tempo di marcia
  4. Second Suite For Military Band, Op. 28 No. 2, In F Major: I March (Morris Dance): Allegro
  5. Second Suite For Military Band, Op. 28 No. 2, In F Major: II Song Without Words 'I'll Love My Love' - Andante
  6. Second Suite For Military Band, Op. 28 No. 2, In F Major: III Song Of The Blacksmith: Moderato e maestoso
  7. Second Suite For Military Band, Op. 28 No. 2, In F Major: IV Fantasia On The 'Dargason' - Allegro moderato
  8. Fugue a gigue: Un poco vivace
  9. From 'Two Songs Without Words,' Op. 22:: Marching Song: Allegro moderato alla marcia
  10. Hammersmith, Op. 52: Prelude: Poco adagio - Scherzo: Poco vivace
  11. Toccata marziale: Allegro maestoso
  12. Flourish For Wind Band: Maestoso
  13. English Folk Song Suite: I March 'Seventeen Come Sunday' - Allegro
  14. English Folk Song Suite: II Sea Songs: Allegro
  15. English Folk Song Suite: III Intermezzo 'My Bonny Boy' - Andantino
  16. English Folk Song Suite: IV March 'Folk Songs From Somerset' - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars British Wind Band Music.......2006-01-04

This aptly titled CD, British Wind Band Classics, presents well-known compositions by Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams. In many cases, the conductor has tried to reconstruct the composers' original score and intent with instrument choices and the number of instrumentalists (Holst generally preferred many less performers than is typically recorded today).

Holst's First Suite for Military Band, as opposed to the second, is filled with inventive and original melodies; the Second Military Suite sets many pre-existing folk tunes. In three movements, the opening Chaconne, a sort of theme and variations, has a noble theme of fifths and seconds put into various settings. The second, Intermezzo, is a minor-mode scherzo with a jumpy sounding minor theme. The final march, begins sad with brass alone, a dreamy theme is picked up by the wind section, and a glorious conclusion puts the two together, a common technique by Holst. A snappy little suite. The Second Suite for Military Band is unashamedly folk-based. The opening March with lyrical Euphonium solo middle section and a compound Scottish reel, make the opening a great concert opener. The gorgeously lyrical second movement, based on I Love My Love, is followed by the highly rhythmical Song of the Blacksmith, complete with anvil. The final movement is a fantasia on Dargason, a familiar Scottish song. Again Holst overlaps two melodies for a rousing conclusion. Many will buy this CD for the suites alone, so a few notes. Some will consider this recording of the Holst Suites merely academic or plain British stuffiness when compared to the classic Fennell recordings. While Reynish opts for slightly more spacious tempos and creates an ensemble of smaller, more intimate proportions, they work for this ensemble, and in many ways breathe new life into these works, which are usually played at too fast tempos. Many points of musicality are won on this recording, where it is lost on others.

Holst's arrangement of J.S. Bach's Fugue ala Gigue works rather well for wind band, with a lilting fugal feel. Holst's Two Songs Without Words is also included on this recording: The Marching Song and the important Hammersmith. The Marching Song is infested with a sad mournful tune in march garb, followed by a lyrical, almost academic melody, but eventually gives way to the gloomy opening march, but ends with triumph. In three sections, the opening of Hammersmith has a frightening bass line that unrelentingly press on. The only piece on the disk that has extensive use of dissonance, the fearful opening gives way to a scherzo, with mocking winds and a quartal melody that skips all over. The ending portion uses the opening bass line with snatches from the rest of the work. Brooding and dissonant, a great piece.

The Vaughan Williams portion of the CD includes the Toccata Marziale, here performed from the original manuscript, not the incorrect printed version. An exciting, if not perfunctory, march, Vaughan Williams' musical language for wind band is a bit more fantastical, evenly orchestrated, compared to Holst. The opening fanfare of the 2-minute Flourish for Wind Band is glorious, with a short little lyrical middle section, and ends as it begins. Vaughan Williams' famous English Folk Song Suite is more along the lines of Holst's Second Military Band Suite, with unabashed folk songs. Here presented as in the original performance, with the addition of the Sea Songs as the second movement. The first movement, Seventeen Come Sunday has a jumpy minor theme, while the second movement, Sea Songs, is more forwardly jolly, along with a charming dance-like middle section. A plaintive solo oboe opens the melancholy Intermezzo third movement, subtitled My Bonny Boy, but a sprite piccolo melody in ¾ time picks up the movement, before descending into sullenness again. The Suite ends in pure friendliness and jubilation, concluding the work and the CD in fine form.

Highly musical interpretations of English wind band classics, makes this CD a good addition to any library. The classic Fennell is definitely hard to beat, but this is a different sound, more spacious tempos (the slower moderatos make the faster sections more exciting), and a pared-down ensemble, more musical qualities shine through in these works that I hadn't heard in other recordings. Compare with other recordings; it holds its own.

5 out of 5 stars Reliving past glory..........2005-08-02

What a great collection! I've played most of this music in the past and was delighted to find it together in this compilation.

5 out of 5 stars Great Collection!.......2005-01-07

I have played all three movements of Holst's First Suite in E Flat for Military Band in concert and this cd really captures all the magic the song has when played live! On of my favorite band recordings thus far!

4 out of 5 stars English Folk Song Suite.......2004-08-21

This recording contains an extended "English Folk Song Suite" (15 Min., 9 Sec. long), a version I'm unfamiliar with. I haven't actually heard the rest of the album--but I plan to. I can tell you the EFFS is very fine, with color and feeling.

5 out of 5 stars A Great Recording and Must For Your Collection!.......2001-12-01

If you enjoy good British Band music, you simply should own this CD.
Holst: St. Paul's and Brook Green Suites; A Fugal Concerto; A Somerset Rhapsody
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • An Interesting Holst Omnibus
 Holst: St. Paul's and Brook Green Suites; A Fugal Concerto; A Somerset Rhapsody

Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by HolstAll Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Holst: The Cloud Messenger; A Choral Fantasia; Part-Songs
  2. Holst: Orchestral Works
  3. Holst: Hammersmith / Moorside Suite / Suite No. 1 in E flat / Suite No. 2 in F
  4. Rimsky-Korsakov: Suites
  5. Amy Beach: "Gaelic" Symphony; Piano Concerto

ASIN: B000089HB4
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

  1. 2. Good Friday - Baccholian Singers Of London
  2. 4. A Love Song - Baccholian Singers Of London
  3. 1. Intercession - Baccholian Singers Of London
  4. 6. Before Sleep - Baccholian Singers Of London
  5. 3. Drinking Song - Baccholian Singers Of London
  6. A Dirge For Two Veterans, H121 - Baccholian Singers Of London
  7. I. Jig (Vivace)
  8. II. Ostinato (Presto)
  9. III. Intermezzo (Andante Con Moto - Vivace)
  10. IV. Finale: The Dargason (Allegro)
  11. I. Moderato
  12. II. Adagio
  13. III. Allegro
  14. I. Prelude (Allegretto)
  15. II. Air (Andante)
  16. III. Allegro
  17. A Somerset Rhapsody, Op.21 No.2
  18. Andante
  19. Dance Of Spirits Of Earth
  20. Dance Of Spirits Of Water
  21. Dance Of Spirits Of Fire

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An Interesting Holst Omnibus.......2006-08-17

This CD brings together disparate small works of Holst, as well as recordings made in two different decades. So we have very good analog recordings of the choruses made in the mid-70s and quite decent digital recordings made in the early 90s. The unifying element is the English Chamber Orchestra--a fine choice for the assignment, of course. Holst is in their blood, and even if Sir Yehudi isn't a noted Holst specialist (at least that I know of), his performance of the "Perfect Fool" ballet music is very spirited and attractively colored. Menuhin's performance is pretty much the equal of Adrian Boult's reference recording of this music. Plus Menuhin has much more modern sound.

The other orchestral works are well handled, too, I think, especially the Fugal Concerto--given a sprightly reading--and A Somerset Rhapsody, droll music given an equally droll reading. I have heard more engaging performances of the delightful "St. Paul's Suite," but this is certainly a decent job. And I'm not familiar with "Brook Green," which isn't Holst at his most memorable anyway.

As for the choral music represented here, this is Holst at his most solemn and meditative. If your tastes run more to "The Planets" than to the "Choral Symphony" and "Choral Fantasia," this may not be your cup of tea. But I think Holst had a unique approach to choral music and find the "Six Choruses" both interesting and entertaining. The Dirge moves me in the same way as the war poetry of Wilfred Owen or Walt Whitman does. In fact, this is a setting of one of Whitman's more famous Civil War poems--a very effective setting, with apropos contributions from brass and percussion. Written in 1914, before the outbreak of the First World War, the Dirge anticipates the "Mars" section of "The Planets" written a couple of years later.

So this disc represents a strange mix of Holst music, but it is all effectively performed and recorded--just the thing to fill in gaps in your Holst collection. More authoritative readings may be found in Decca's British Music Collection box set, but I opted for the modern sound accorded Menuhin and Humphreys on this Classics for Pleasure disc and am quite happy. The price is certainly right!
Holst: A Winter Idyll; Elegy; Indra; Etc.
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Holst: A Winter Idyll; Elegy; Indra; Etc.

    Manufacturer: Lyrita
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by HolstAll Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. Holst: Walt Whitman Overture; Suite de Ballet; Suite in E flat; Etc.
    2. Boult conducts Bax
    3. Boult conducts Holst
    4. Boult conducts John Ireland
    5. E.J. Moeran: Sinfonietta; Symphony; Overture for a Masque

    ASIN: B000027QVY
    Release Date: 2007-02-13

    Tracks:

    1. A Winter Idyll
    2. 'The Cotswolds' Symphony In F Op.8
    3. Indra, Symphonic Poem Op.13
    4. A Song Of The Night Op.19 No.1 For Violin And Orchestra
    5. Interlude From Act III Op.23
    6. Invocation Op.19 No.2 For Cello And Orchestra
    7. The Lure, Ballet Music For Orchestra
    8. 1. Introduction/2. First Dance/3. Second Dance/4. Third Dance/5. Fourth Dance

    Album Description

    "A fascinating assembly of Holstiana." -- GRAMOPHONE

    Holst had a deep interest in Hindu philosophy and literature, reflected in such works as his opera Sita, the tone poem Indra, Hymns from the Rig Veda, and other works. Distinguished British conductor David Atherton founded the London Sinfonietta in 1967, and most recently served as music director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic.
    Holst: Music for Two Pianos
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • This is true "New Age" music.
    • A very impressive experience!
    • The best recording of Holst I have ever heard
    		 Holst: Music for Two Pianos

    Manufacturer: Naxos
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by HolstAll Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    CDs Under $7CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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    4-for-3 Opera & Vocal4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B000009OMF
    Release Date: 1998-07-28

    Tracks:

    1. The Planets, Op. 32: Mars, The Bringer Of War
    2. The Planets, Op. 32: Venus, The Bringer Of Peace
    3. The Planets, Op. 32: Mercury, The Winged Messenger
    4. The Planets, Op. 32: Jupiter, The Bringer Of Jollity
    5. The Planets, Op. 32: Saturn, The Bringer Of Old Age
    6. The Planets, Op. 32: Uranus, The Magician
    7. The Planets, Op. 32: Neptune, The Mystic
    8. Ballet From The Perfect Fool, Op. 39: Andante, Dance Of Spirits Of Earth, Of Water, And Of Fire

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars This is true "New Age" music........2001-11-13

    If you love Gustav Holst & The Planets but have heard the orchestral version one (or one-hundred) too many times, Holst's original arrangement for two pianos will bring his musical zodiac to life once more.

    The two piano version highlights the Stravinskian qualities, not to mention the flavors of Richard Strauss & British late-impressionism, which were all drifting through England's cultural climate at the time. Of course, there's also plenty of British rural folk song influence. The entire suite is permeated with Holst's mysticism. He knew his astrology & was on familiar terms with the shadowy aspects of the Isles. Only Neptune doesn't quite work without the ethereal female choir. I think the pianists should made a place for a voice or voices in that movement.

    The three lovely Spirit Dances from The Perfect Fool ballet are ideal choices to round out the album, as the basic elements of Earth, Water & Fire (no Air?) join their planetary counterparts.

    All-in-all, a grand piano experience!

    Recorded in Australia, 1997. Good liner notes. Total time: 44:41 (Planets) plus 10:45 (Perfect Fool).

    5 out of 5 stars A very impressive experience!.......2000-07-05

    I bought this CD, no lacking curiosity of how was going to sound Holst's signature work on a two piano version... And I got really and completely satisfied!

    The quality of the recording is top, so does the interpretation. Once again, NAXOS gives us a recording to enjoy from head to toe...

    The tempos are very well equilibrated and the fortes and pianos are interestingly achieved.

    Everyone can easily get impressed with Mars and Saturn and there is some kind of impresionist air in the other planets which are, indeed, influenced by the new dimension in which we are: the intimacy between the sound of the pianos and your own presence.

    If you have ever listen to the original work in its full orchestrated version, whoever the director is, this one is a very recommendable alternative to enjoy it too!

    5 out of 5 stars The best recording of Holst I have ever heard.......1999-06-09

    Exquisite recording
    Britten & Holst: Orchestral Works
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • ENGLAND, THEIR ENGLAND
    		 Britten & Holst: Orchestral Works

    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BrittenAll Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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    EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Debussy: La Mer; 3 Nocturnes; Ravel: Alborada del gracioso; Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2
    2. Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 21 & 22
    3. Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde
    4. Great Recordings Of The Century - Janet Baker Sings Mahler / Barbirolli, et al
    5. Mussorgsky: The Nursery: Sunless; Songs and Dances of Death

    ASIN: B0000CG8EM
    Release Date: 2003-10-07

    Tracks:

    1. I: Lacrymosa (Andante Ben Misurato)
    2. II: Dies Irae (Allegro Con Fuoco)
    3. III: Requiem Aeternam (Andatne Molto Tranquillo)
    4. I: Dawn (Lento E Tanquillo)
    5. II: Sunday Morning (Allegro Spiritoso)
    6. III: Moonlight (Andante Comodo E Rubato)
    7. IV: Storm (Presto Con Fuoco)
    8. 'Peter Grimes' - Passacaglia, Op. 33b
    9. I: Andante
    10. II: Dance Of Spirits Of EArth (Moderato - Andante)
    11. III: Dance Of Spirits Of Water (Allegretto)
    12. IV: Dance Of Spirits Of Fire (Allegro Moderato)
    13. Egdon Heath (Homage To Thomas Hardy), Op. 47

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars ENGLAND, THEIR ENGLAND.......2004-05-30

    Previn has a conspicuous penchant for 20th century English music, both the music I am myself enthusiastic about such as Britten and Walton and the kind for which my mania is rather muted such as Holst and Vaughan Williams. I was therefore expecting a lot of this disc and I have not been disappointed.

    Britten did not always dislike Brahms, and even after he had gone off him in general he retained his admiration for the D minor concerto. For me, the start of the Sinfonia da Requiem should create the same kind of impact as the start of that mighty effort, and it absolutely does as Previn gives it. The peremptory call to attention, the glowering sense of hostility as well as tragedy, the lapse into uneasy quiet - this is the way I feel it should be. First impressions count as no other impressions do, and Previn had got me on his side right away. The rest was plain sailing, across a dark sea admittedly, and the power and the sadness of this great and probably still undervalued work are as strongly conveyed as I think I can ever remember.

    East Anglia is a part of the country that I am particularly fond of, and Crabbe is a poet who gets through to me. There is something I find hypnotic about the peculiar `tramp tramp' of Crabbe's couplets at their best, so music that evokes that coast both directly and via its own poet is music that I start predisposed to. First impressions helped again, and in the first number `Dawn' Previn's tempo struck me as perfectly judged, with the `lento' not too slow and the sense of drifting mist perfectly caught. The later extracts were pretty much ideally to my taste too, the contrasts in mood strong and effective but not overplayed, and the final grim passacaglia caught the mood as I imagine it powerfully indeed - Crabbe humanised but not sentimentalised.

    Hardy's Wessex , and Hardy's novels, have always been a `dead zone' in my own sensibility, and that sadly coincides with a lifelong inability to respond to the school of English music that includes Holst. I suppose I can be `objective' about the Holst pieces here, but hardly in the best sense. They are obviously very well done, and Previn's handling of Egdon Heath, more rhapsodic than say, Boult's, is, I would guess, likely to win admirers among aficionados of the work. I can't say how well it evokes that part of the country because the only places I know in Dorset are Bournemouth and Lyme Regis. I can however report that the playing of the LSO is admirable - in my view Previn worked marvels with them whatever battles that involved - and the recordings, made in 1975/6 and much admired in The Gramophone, are unexceptionable even if not quite outstanding by the highest up-to-date standards. There are not likely to be better accounts of any of this music for some time to come.
    The British Music Collection: Gustav Holst
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • OK, you have "The Planets"...
    		 The British Music Collection: Gustav Holst

    Manufacturer: Decca
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by HolstAll Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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    London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    MarchesMarches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Holst: St. Paul's Suite
    2. Holst: Orchestral Works
    3. Dead Man

    ASIN: B00005QDYL
    Release Date: 2004-03-09

    Tracks:

    1. I. Hymn To The Dawn - Osian Ellis
    2. II. Hymn To The Waters - Osian Ellis
    3. III. Hymn To Vena - Osian Ellis
    4. IV. Hymn Of The Travellers - Osian Ellis
    5. Savitri! Savitri! I Am Death - Robert Tear
    6. Like A Spectre Of The Forest - Robert Tear
    7. I Am With Thee (Savitri's Aria) - Robert Tear
    8. Then Enter, Lord; Dwell With Me - Robert Tear
    9. Loneliness And Pain Are Ended - Robert Tear
    10. I. Say, Who Is This? - The Purcell Singers
    11. II. O Love, I Complain - The Purcell Singers
    12. III. Angel Spirits Of Sleep - The Purcell Singers
    13. IV. When First We Met - The Purcell Singers
    14. V. Sorrow And Joy - The Purcell Singers
    15. VI. Love On My Heart From Heaven Fell - The Purcell Singers
    16. VII. Assemble, All Ye Maidens - Susan Longfield
    17. The Evening-Watch, Op.43 No.1 - The Purcell Singers
    18. I. Moderato - Julia Bogorad
    19. II. Adagio - Julia Bogorad
    20. III. Allegro - Julia Bogorad

    Tracks:

    1. I. Jig: Vivace - Christopher Hogwood
    2. II. Ostinato: Presto - Christopher Hogwood
    3. III. Intermezzo: Andante Con Moto - Christopher Hogwood
    4. IV. Finale (The Dargason): Allegro - Christopher Hogwood
    5. I. Introduction - Dance Of Spirits Of Earth - London Philharmonic Orchestra
    6. II. Dance Of Spirits Of Water - London Philharmonic Orchestra
    7. III. Dance Of Spirits Of Fire - London Philharmonic Orchestra
    8. Egdon Heath, Op.47, H172 - London Philharmonic Orchestra
    9. The Hymn Of Jesus, Op.37, H140 - BBC Chorus
    10. A Moorside Suite, H172 - Elgar Howarth

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars OK, you have "The Planets"..........2007-01-12

    "Gee, I like this piece, 'The Planets'. I wonder if this guy Holst wrote anything else?" Welcome, music lover. This collection is the next step after Holst's most popular piece. The otherworldliness of the "Hymns from the Rig Veda" may surprise you, as they prepare you for the world of "Savitri", based on a folk tale from India. Want to fall in love all over again? Young Janet Baker will melt your heart as the heroine of this 3 character/1 act opera, conducted by the composer's daughter. A stunning performance, in lovely 1960's sound. This set is worth it for the first disc alone.
    I'm not as familiar with some of the other performances, but the pieces are a good sampling of Holst's "other" works, and the "Moorside Suite" will blow you away. It is arguably the best piece ever written for a brass band.
    Holst: The Wandering Scholar, etc.
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Holst: The Wandering Scholar, etc.

      Manufacturer: Chandos
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by HolstAll Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00000J8QZ
      Release Date: 1999-06-22

      Tracks:

      1. Suite de ballet In E Flat Major, Op. 10: I. Danse rustique
      2. Suite de ballet In E Flat Major, Op. 10: II. Valse
      3. Suite de ballet In E Flat Major, Op. 10: III. Scene de nuit
      4. Suite de ballet In E Flat Major, Op. 10: IV. Carnival
      5. A Song Of The Night, Op. 19 No. 1
      6. The Wandering Scholar, Op. 50: 'When Boughs Are Green In April' -
      7. The Wandering Scholar, Op. 50: 'When Rainbows Follow Flying Showers' -
      8. The Wandering Scholar, Op. 50: 'Piggy, Piggy, Piggy!' -
      9. The Wandering Scholar, Op. 50: 'Someone Is Coming!' -
      10. The Wandering Scholar, Op. 50: 'Before That I Was Twenty' -
      11. The Wandering Scholar, Op. 50: 'Learned? Comely?' -
      12. The Wandering Scholar, Op. 50: 'Heigho, A Pretty Knave!' -
      13. The Wandering Scholar, Op. 50: 'He'll Lie All Day In The Sun' -
      14. The Wandering Scholar, Op. 50: 'As I Was Walking Here To-day'

      Amazon.com

      Chandos's ongoing Holst series hits another bright spot with this release of works that happen, on this disc, to span the composer's entire musical career. The Suite de Ballet (of 1899) is an unabashed array of "light music," typical of fin-de-siècle England. Its youthfulness nearly risks comparison to the music of Eric Coates and Gilbert and Sullivan, but this robust reading by Richard Hickox and the Northern Sinfonia allows the composer-to-come to peek through now and again, especially in the second movement, Valse. The main work here is the comic operetta The Wandering Scholar. It's based on a Clifford Bax (brother to Arnold) libretto and has the more familiar Holstian flourishes based on an original use of orchestral color and remnants of English folk melodies. Top job. --Paul Cook
      A Cello Century of British Women Composers / Wilmers, Marlow
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		A Cello Century of British Women Composers / Wilmers, Marlow
        Simon Marlow
        Manufacturer: Quicksilva Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00004U5FS
        Release Date: 2000-08-22

        Tracks:

        1. Passacaglia On An Old English Tune
        2. The Hamadryad
        3. The Light Wind
        4. Ste No.1 in E: I. Prld
        5. Ste No.1 in E: II. Arioso
        6. Ste No.1 in E: III. Giga
        7. Two Contrasting Pieces: Lonely Mere
        8. Two Contrasting Pieces: Rigaudon
        9. Hebridean Ste: Isle Of Jura (Two Impressions): Summer Sea
        10. Hebridean Ste: Isle Of Jura (Two Impressions): The Paps Of Jura
        11. Hebridean Ste: The Blue Lochan
        12. Hebridean Ste: A Day Dream
        13. Hebridean Ste: Shieling Song
        14. Hebridean Ste: Fisherman's Song
        15. Twilight (A Reverie)
        16. Irish Melody, Op.17 No.1
        17. Country Dance, Op.17 No.2
        18. Arrangement Of Two Scottish Airs: My Only Joe And Dearie
        19. Arrangement Of Two Scottish Airs: Come Under My Plaidie
        20. Polka A La Strauss
        21. Elegie In Memoriam Joan Dickson
        22. Sontag 2
        Gustav Holst: The Planets; The Perfect Fool
        Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
        • From Mercury to Neptune
        		 Gustav Holst: The Planets; The Perfect Fool

        Manufacturer: Arte Nova Classics
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        All Works by HolstAll Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
        4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
        4-for-3 Opera & Vocal4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B000A2UBSY
        Release Date: 2005-08-09

        Tracks:

        1. Dance Of The Spirits Of Earth
        2. Dance Of The Spirits Of Water
        3. Dance Of The Spirits Of Fire
        4. Mars, The Bringer Of War
        5. Venus, The Bringer Of Peace
        6. Mercury, The Winged Messenger
        7. Jupiter, The Bring Of Jollity
        8. Saturn, The Bringer Of Old Age
        9. Uranus, The Magician
        10. Neptune, The Mystic

        Customer Reviews:

        3 out of 5 stars From Mercury to Neptune.......2007-04-05

        Leaper's rendition "The Planets", Holst's most popular (and only recognizeable) work, with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Grand Canary is a good one. He isn't, however, as great as other conductors (say, Charles Dutoit or Andre Previn), but he is still very good. "Mars: The Bringer of War" is loud, but the terror of it seems just a bit smoothed over. "Venus: The Bringer of Love" is charming and very meditative. The strings in "Mercury: The Winged Messenger" needs some more work when they're being played at a fast speed. Leaper's interpretation of "Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity" doesn't come close to Previn's when it comes to beauty and precision, but it still does have some nice mellow flow. "Saturn: The Bringer of Old Age" is as beautiful as Dutoit's Saturn, and it is certainly better than the dull rendition of John Eliot Gardiner. For "Uranus: The Magician", I'm a bit indecisive. It has that full terror and humor that Previn has unveiled, but it doesn't have the energetic juice that Dutoit unveiled, so I guess it goes in the middle. "Neptune: The Mystic" is too soft sometimes, but the eerieness of the woman's choir makes up for it. This is the first time that I have heard the ballet music of "The Perfect Fool", so I can't compare it to others; all I can say is that it sounds good.

        All in all, while this doesn't even come close to the grand masters of the Planets, it is still a good listen.

        Music Review:

        1. Cantorum Christmas!
        2. Cat's Duet
        3. Cello Cti #1&2 / Romance Op.36 / Symphony in a
        4. Chopin: Highlights from the 24 Preludes; Selected Waltzes; Piano Sonata No. 2
        5. Clas Pehrsson
        6. Classical Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 Piano Sonata No. 8, "Pathetique"
        7. Classics After Hours
        8. Classics for the Heart
        9. Complete Columbia Recordings 1936-39
        10. Consonanze Stravaganzi: 17th Cent Neapolitan

        Music Review

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