Holst: Planets / Delius: Over the Hills and Far Away

Immerse yourself in the celestial symphony of Gustav Holst's iconic "The Planets," a masterful orchestral suite that has captivated audiences for over a century. This 2007 release from Naxos features the complete seven-movement suite, each piece named after a planet in the solar system and imbued with Holst's distinctive musical characterizations. From the martial intensity of "Mars, the Bringer of War" to the ethereal mystique of "Neptune, the Mystic," Holst's compositional genius shines through, offering a rich and varied listening experience.

In addition to Holst's magnum opus, this album includes Frederick Delius' evocative piece "Over the Hills and Far Away." This enchanting composition provides a delightful contrast to Holst's grand orchestral work, showcasing Delius' unique harmonic language and lyrical melodies. The combination of these two works creates a compelling journey through the realms of classical music, from the cosmic grandeur of Holst to the pastoral charm of Delius.

Conducted by Adrian Leaper and performed by the CSR Symphony Orchestra Bratislava and the English Northern Philharmonia, this recording benefits from meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the scores. The album's duration of approximately one hour and three minutes allows for a comprehensive exploration of both works, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Holst and Delius or a newcomer to their music, this album offers a rewarding and enriching experience.

Gustav Holst, born in Cheltenham in 1874, was an English composer whose name is synonymous with his monumental orchestral suite "The Planets." While this work remains his most celebrated, Holst's compositional journey was marked by a rich blend of influences, from the grandeur of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss to the folk revival of early 20th-century England and the modernist innovations of composers like Maurice Ravel. His music transcends mere notes on a page, offering a deep dive into his passions for Eastern mysticism, astronomy, and literature. Despite battling health issues, including neuritis and partial deafness, Holst's output was prolific and diverse, spanning various genres and leaving an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. Beyond "The Planets," his works like "Savitri" and "The Hymn of Jesus" showcase his unique style and innovative orchestration, making him one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.

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Tracks

More albums by Gustav Holst

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - British Composers. Elgar, Holst, Bax, Delius...

"Summer Classical Drive" - Guess that Theme

"Bruyères" - Quiet Summer Hours

"Rêverie" - A Moment of Calm

"Respiro" - Quiet Summer Hours

"Classical Drive - Guess that Theme"

"Chanson de Nuit" - Lullabies for a Relaxing Evening

Bach: Magnificat - Vivaldi: Gloria - Handel: Water Music - Mozart: Toy Symphony & Laudate Dominum - Boccherini: Minuet - Rimsky-Korsakov: Flight of the Bumblebee & Other Classical Hits

The Essential Ulster Orchestra

The Essential Royal Northern Sinfonia

"Pavane" - Peaceful Meditation

Pachelbel: Canon - Albinoni: Adagio - Bach: Air on G String - Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Fauré: Pavane & Other Classical Hits

"La fille aux cheveux de lin" - Quiet Summer Hours

The Essential Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Holst: The Planets; The Perfect Fool

British Classical Masterpieces

Holst: The Planets – Deborah Cheetham Fraillon: Earth

"Morning Mood" with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Contemplation

"Little Suite" - Lullabies for a Relaxing Evening

Epic Classics: The Ride to Jupiter

Audiophile Classical Collection Vol. III

"Moment Musical" - Quiet Hours

"Melody" - Relaxing Music for a Workday

"Air" - Peaceful Hours

"Music for a While" - Relaxing Melodies

Holst: Beni Mora, Op. 29 No. 1 & Choral Symphony, Op. 41

"Cantique" - Deep Concentration & Focus

Wondrous Classics

"Andante" - Focus & Concentration

"Nocturne" - Calm & Relaxation

"Prélude à la nuit" - Lullabies for a Quiet Evening

Music Night and Day. Ravel, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Holst, Elgar, Barber…

Handel: The Queen of Sheba - Bach: Brandenburg Concerto - Mozart: Jupiter Symphony - Rossini: The Barber of Seville - Grieg: Solveig's Song - Bizet: L'Arlésienne - Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flowers

Bits of Classical, Vol. 2

The Planets - Enigma Variations, Nutcracker, Brandenburg Concertos, Beethoven's Pastoral, Mozart's Haffner

Gentle Piano Serenades

2025 Meditative Moments

100 Tender Piano Moments

2025 Tranquil Nights

Meditative Moments

100 Piano Harmonies

Gentle Waves

2025 Relaxing Piano Vibes

Holst - Die Planeten

The Roaring Seventies

Dreamy Piano Tunes

2025 Tender Piano Moments

Calm Horizons

2025 Peaceful Piano Nights

100 Piano Serenades

The Prodigy Conductor

2024 Romantic Piano Music

100 Relaxing Winter Piano Moods

100 Winter Piano Moods

Carols from King’s College, Cambridge

Symphonic Cinema

Holst Essentials

In the bleak midwinter - Winter Classics

Choral Christmas

A Classical Journey from Enigma to Nutcracker

Karajan A-Z: Holst - Liszt

English String Music: Britten, Holst, Purcell, Vaughan Williams...

Merry Christmas with the Choir of King's College