Gustav Holst's iconic orchestral suite "The Planets" is brought to life in this extraordinary recording, released on June 1, 2001, by Hyperion. This album is a landmark in classical music, as it is the first recording of Holst's "Planets" to include the additional planet, Pluto, composed by Colin Matthews. The suite, originally composed between 1914 and 1916, is a masterful exploration of the astrological characters of the planets, each movement offering a unique musical landscape.
The album features the full orchestral performance of "The Planets," including the powerful "Mars, the Bringer of War," the serene "Venus, the Bringer of Peace," the lively "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity," and the mystical "Neptune, the Mystic." The addition of Matthews' "Pluto, the Renewer" adds a new dimension to the suite, completing the celestial journey through the solar system.
Recorded sumptuously by Tony Faulkner in Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, this album captures the grandeur and intricacy of Holst's composition with stunning clarity. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) delivers a performance that is both powerful and nuanced, bringing out the full emotional range of Holst's music.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through the planets, offering a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this recording of "The Planets" is sure to captivate and inspire.
Vinylscout