Bringer of War
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Gustav Holst. As war breaks out, Holst hurries to complete The Planets.
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 plots the chart of Holstβs life during the First World War. Unable to enlist, all Holst could do was compose. As his friends were dying on the front lines, Holst was hurrying to complete The Planets suite.
The Planets, Op 32 (Mars)Β
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir JurowskiΒ
Ode to Death, Op 38, H 144Β
James Orford, organ
Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, conducted by William VannΒ
The Planets, Op 32 (Venus)Β
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir JurowskiΒ
Suite No 2 for Military Band in F major, Op 28 No 2, H106Β
The Central Band of the RAF, conducted by Wing Commander Eric BanksΒ
Choral Symphony, Op 41 (2nd mvt, Song and Bacchanal)Β
Lynne Dawson, soprano
Guildford Choral Society and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Hilary Davan Wetton
Produced by Alice McKee for ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Audio Wales & West
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Music Played
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Gustav Holst
The Planets, Op 32 (1st mvt, Mars, The Bringer of War)
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski.- LPO : LPO-0047.
- LPO.
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Gustav Holst
Ode to Death, Op 38
Performer: James Orford. Choir: Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Director: William Vann.- SOMM : SOMMCD-0187.
- SOMM.
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Gustav Holst
The Planets, Op 32 (1st mvt, Mars & 2nd mvt, Venus)
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski.- LPO : LPO-0047.
- LPO.
- 1.
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Gustav Holst
Suite No 2 in F major, Op 28, No 2
Ensemble: R A F Central Band. Conductor: Eric (Wing-Commander) Banks.- REGIS : 13-26.
- Regis.
- 4.
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Gustav Holst
Choral Symphony, Op 41 (No 1, Song And Bacchanal)
Singer: Lynne Dawson. Choir: Guildford Choral Society. Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Hilary Davan Wetton.- HYPERION : 5814478.
- HYPERION.
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