The Mystic
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Gustav Holst. As Holst begins his new life as a teacher, he finds himself stumbling into spiritualism.
We often think of composers as solitary geniuses, scribbling away at their masterpieces, working alone. But this isn鈥檛 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 鈥渏elly overcharged with electricity.鈥� 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 Holst鈥檚 interplanetary expedition and discovers the unsung heroes who placed him amongst the stars.
In this programme, Donald explores Holst鈥檚 life as a teacher, his discovery of astrology and the route into mysticism which led him to compose The Planets.
The Planets, Op. 32 (Mercury)
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski聽
St Paul鈥檚 Suite, Op 29, No 2聽
Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Kenneth Sillito
Ballet music from 'The Perfect Fool' H150 (Op 39)聽
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras聽
S膩vitri, Op 25 (I - VI)
Felicity Palmer, mezzo-soprano
Philip Langridge, tenor
Stephen Varcoe, baritone
City of London Sinfonia and Richard Hickox Singers, conducted by Richard Hickox聽
The Planets, Op 32 (Uranus)聽
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski聽
The Planets, Op 32 (Neptune)聽
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski
Produce by Alice McKee for 麻豆约拍 Audio Wales & West
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Gustav Holst
The Planets, Op 32 (3rd mvt, Mercury, The Winged Messenger)
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski.- LPO : 0047--.
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Gustav Holst
St Paul's Suite, Op 29, No 2 IV. Finale, "The Dargason"
Performer: Kenneth Sillito. Orchestra: Academy of St Martin in the Fields.- Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Orchestra & Uppsala Chamber Orchestra.
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Gustav Holst
The Perfect Fool, Op 39
Orchestra: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Charles Mackerras.- ERATO : 5615102.
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Gustav Holst
Savitri, Op 25 (excerpt)
Singer: Felicity Palmer. Singer: Philip Langridge. Singer: Stephen Varcoe. Choir: Richard Hickox Singers. Orchestra: City of London Sinfonia. Conductor: Richard Hickox.- HYPERION : CDA-66099.
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Gustav Holst
The Planets, Op 32 (6th mvt, Uranus, The Magician)
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski.- LPO : LPO-0047.
- LPO.
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Gustav Holst
The Planets, Op 32 (7th mvt, Neptune, The Mystic)
Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski. Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Choir: London Philharmonic Choir.- LPO : 0047--.
- LPO.
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