Gustav Holst's "Holst: Orchestral Works, Vol. 3" is a captivating collection of his orchestral and choral compositions, showcasing the British composer's unique voice and artistic evolution. Released in 2013 under the Chandos label, this album spans a concise yet impactful 69 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of Holst's musical genius.
The album features two of Holst's most notable works: "The Mystic Trumpeter" and the "First Choral Symphony." "The Mystic Trumpeter," a tone poem for orchestra and voice, is a mystical and evocative exploration of themes of prophecy and destiny. The "First Choral Symphony," on the other hand, is a grand and dramatic work that blends orchestral and choral elements, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology and poetry.
Performed by the esteemed BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Symphony Chorus, with soprano Susan Gritton and conductor Andrew Davis, this recording brings Holst's compositions to life with vivid clarity and emotional depth. The album is a testament to Holst's innovative approach to orchestration and his ability to blend different musical influences into a cohesive and compelling whole.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Gustav Holst or a newcomer to his music, "Holst: Orchestral Works, Vol. 3" offers a rewarding listening experience that highlights the composer's enduring contributions to the classical music canon.
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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