The Duty of a Teacher
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Gustav Holst. From his hospital bed, Holst never stops composing - or teaching
We often think of composers as solitary geniuses, scribbling away at their masterpieces, working alone. But this isnβt always the case. Gustav Holst, most famous for composing The Planets, struggled all his life with neuritis, a condition that made his arms feel like βjelly overcharged with electricity.β It was frequently impossible for him to play or even write, so, to bring his vision of our solar system to life, he needed help. This week, Donald Macleod charts Holstβs interplanetary expedition and discovers the unsung heroes who placed him amongst the stars.
In this programme, Donald follows Holstβs final years, a time when he withdrew from the public eye and learned to love composing again.
Scherzo for Orchestra, H192Β
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis
Hammersmith - Prelude and Scherzo, H178, Op 52Β
Dallas Wind Symphony, conducted by Howard DunnΒ
Egdon Heath Op. 47 (1st mvt, Adagio - Poco Allegro - Andante maestoso)Β
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Andrew DavisΒ
Brook Green SuiteΒ
English Sinfonia, conducted by Howard GriffithsΒ
The Planets, Op 32 (Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity) arr. for two pianosΒ
Len Vorster, piano
Robert Chamberlain, piano
Produced by Alice McKee for ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Audio Wales & West
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