Gustav Holst

Gustav Theodore Holst (born Gustavus Theodore

von Holst; 21 September 1874 – 25 May 1934) was an English composer, arranger and teacher. Best known for his orchestral suite The Planets, he composed a large number of other

works across a range of genres, although none achieved comparable

success.

Gustav HolstHis distinctive compositional style

was the product of many influences, Richard

Wagner and Richard Strauss being most crucial early in his

development. The subsequent inspiration of the English folksong

revival of the early 20th century, and the example of such rising modern composers as Maurice Ravel, led

Holst to develop and refine an individual style.

Holst 1st Suite in E-FlatAlthough completed in 1909, the suite didn't receive its official

premiere until 11 years later on June 23rd, 1920, by an ensemble of 165

musicians at the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall.

However, the work was originally conceived to be performed by

ensembles significantly smaller than the one at Kneller Hall. During this

time period there was no standardized instrumentation among

the hundreds of British military bands of the day, and as a result no

significant literature had been previously written for the band

medium; most British bands up to then performed arrangements of

popular orchestral pieces.

Holst 1st Suite in E-Flat

In order to ensure the suite would be accessible to as many bands as

possible, Holst ingeniously scored the work so that it could be played

by a minimum of 19 musicians, with 16 additional parts that could be

added or removed without compromising the integrity of the

work.

Holst 1st Suite in E-FlatThere are three movements in the suite: Chaconne, Intermezzo, and

March. Holst writes, “As each movement is founded on the same

phrase, it is requested that the suite be played right through without a

break.” Indeed, the first three notes of the Chaconne are Eb, F and C, and

the first three notes of the melody when it first appears in the

Intermezzo are Eb, F, and C. In the third movement, March, Holst inverts

the motive: The first note heard in the brilliant opening brass medley is

an Eb, but instead of rising, it descends to a D, and then a G; the

exact opposite of the first two movements.

Holst 1st Suite in E-FlatThe Chaconne begins with a ground bass reminiscent of those written by Henry Purcell or William Byrd. It is

performed by tuba, euphonium and string bass and is repeated

throughout the ensemble sixteen full times as varying instrumental

textures and variations of the theme are layered within it. Following a

delicately scored chamber setting of the theme, the music steadily builds

to a brilliant Eb Major chord that concludes the movement.

Holst 1st Suite in E-Flat

The Intermezzo is light and brisk and features soloistic passages for the

cornet, oboe and clarinet. Holst prominently displays the agility and sensitivity of the wind band through transparent textures and passages

where the melody and accompaniment are woven into a variety of instrumental settings.

Holst 1st Suite in E-Flat

The March begins suddenly. It consists of two themes, the first of

which, performed by brass choir and percussion, is a march light in

character. The second theme is dominated by the woodwinds and is

composed of a long, lyrical line reminiscent of the original Chaconne

melody. The movement concludes with both themes intertwining as the

band crescendos to a climax.

Holst 1st Suite in E-FlatGustav Holst, of Scandinavian ancestry on his father's side, was born in the English spa town of

Cheltenham in 1874 and studied music at the Royal College in

London. A formidable trombonist, he spent time performing with the Scottish Symphony and various seaside bands. He later became

director of music at St. Paul's Girls' School, retaining this connection

until the end of his life. Holst wrote a number of works for the theatre,

their subjects reflecting his varied interests, from Hindu mythology to

Shakespeare and the medieval world of the Wandering Scholar

Holst 1st Suite in E-FlatHe also composed a considerable

amount of choral music, accompanied and unaccompanied,

including arrangements of folk songs, and a smaller number of solo songs. His most famous instrumental

work is The Planets, but he is also fondly remembered for his St. Paul’s

Suite for string orchestra, the two suites for military band,

and Hammersmith, based on the district of London bearing the works

name.

Artistic Ethics

I will respect my audience

regardless of size or station.

Artistic Ethics

The Show Must Go On! I will never

miss a performance.

Artistic Ethics

I shall play every performance to the best of my ability, regardless of how

small my role or large my personal problems.

Artistic Ethics

I shall never miss an entrance by my failure to be

ready.

Artistic Ethics

I shall forego all social activities which interfere with rehearsals

and always be on time.

Artistic Ethics

I shall never leave until I have

completed my performance.

Artistic Ethics

I shall accept the director’s advice in

the spirit in which it is given for he sees the production as a whole

and my role as a portion thereof.

Artistic Ethics

I shall respect the music and the composer,

remembering that “A work of art is not a work of art until it is finished.”

Artistic Ethics

I shall direct my efforts in such a manner that when I leave this organization it will stand as a greater institution for my having

labored there.