Immerse yourself in the rich, orchestral tapestry of Gustav Holst's "Holst: Orchestral Works, Vol. 3," released on October 1, 2013, under the prestigious Chandos label. This captivating album spans a concise yet impactful 69 minutes, offering a deep dive into the classical genre with a full orchestra.
The album is a showcase of Holst's masterful compositional prowess, featuring two of his most significant works: "The Mystic Trumpeter" and the "First Choral Symphony." The former is a poignant, revised 1912 piece that weaves a narrative of mystical and spiritual grandeur, while the latter is a grand, multi-movement symphony that blends choral and orchestral elements to create a vivid, dramatic soundscape.
The "First Choral Symphony" is particularly noteworthy, as it draws inspiration from various poetic and literary sources, including Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn" and Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind." This symphony is a journey through different moods and themes, from the playful and whimsical to the profound and contemplative.
Holst's unique ability to blend lyrical melodies with complex, intricate harmonies is on full display throughout this album. His use of orchestral color and texture is particularly striking, creating a rich, immersive soundscape that is both engaging and intellectually stimulating.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Holst: Orchestral Works, Vol. 3" offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience. It's a testament to Holst's enduring legacy as one of the most innovative and influential composers of the 20th century.
2013 Chandos Records2013 Chandos Records
Tracks
The Mystic Trumpeter, Op. 18, H. 71: Hark! Some wild trumpeter (Revised 1912)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, Sir Andrew Davis
The Mystic Trumpeter, Op. 18, H. 71: Blow again, trumpeter - O, how the immortal phantoms crowd around me (Revised 1912)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, Sir Andrew Davis
The Mystic Trumpeter, Op. 18, H. 71: Blow again, trumpeter - O trumpeter (Revised 1912)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, Sir Andrew Davis
The Mystic Trumpeter, Op. 18, H. 71: Now trumpeter, for thy close (Revised 1912)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, Prelude: Invocation to Pan "O Thou, whose mighty palace roof doth hang" (Chorus)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, I, Song and Bacchanal: Ia. Beneath my palm trees, by the river side (Soprano)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Caroline Harrison, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, I, Song and Bacchanal: Ib. And as I sat, over the light blue hills (Soprano)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, I, Song and Bacchanal: II - IV. Whence came ye, merry Damsels! whence came ye! (Chorus) - WGustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, I, Song and Bacchanal: V & VI. Onward the tiger and the leopard pants (Soprano) - Bacchus,Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, II, Ode on a Grecian Urn: Thou still unravish'd bride of quietness (Chorus)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, II, Ode on a Grecian Urn: Heard melodies are sweet, but those undeard (Chorus)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, II, Ode on a Grecian Urn: Ah, happy boughs! that cannot shed (Chorus)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, II, Ode on a Grecian Urn: Who are these coming to the sacrifice? (Chorus)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, II, Ode on a Grecian Urn: O Attic shape! fair attitude! with brede (Chorus)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, III, Scherzo: I. Fancy "Ever let the Fancy roam" (Chorus)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, III, Scherzo: II. Folly's Song "When wedding fiddles are a-playing" (Chorus)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, IV, Finale: I & II. Spirit here that reignest! (Soprano) - God of the Golden bow (Chorus)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, IV, Finale: III & IV. Then, through thy Temple wide (Soprano) - Tis awful silence then agaiGustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, IV, Finale: V & VIa. Next thy Tasso's ardent numbers (Soprano) - But when Thou joinest withGustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, IV, Finale: VIb. Bards of Passion and of Mirth (Chorus)Gustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
First Choral Symphony, Op. 41, H. 155, IV, Finale: VII. Spirit here that reignest! (Soprano) - Bards of Passion and of Mirth (ChorGustav Holst, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
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