Holst: The Planets – Deborah Cheetham Fraillon: Earth - Gustav Holst

Gustav Holst's iconic "The Planets" suite is reimagined in this captivating 2025 release by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jaime Martin. This album presents a fresh interpretation of Holst's masterpiece, which has enchanted audiences for over a century with its vivid musical depictions of the planets. Each movement, from the fierce "Mars, the Bringer of War" to the ethereal "Neptune, the Mystic," showcases the orchestra's virtuosity and the timeless appeal of Holst's composition.

The album also features the world premiere recording of Deborah Cheetham Fraillon's "Earth," a compelling addition that complements Holst's cosmic journey with a grounded, earthly perspective. Fraillon's composition adds a unique dimension to the album, making it a comprehensive exploration of both the celestial and the terrestrial.

With a runtime of 59 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful journey through the cosmos and back to our home planet. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's meticulous performance, combined with the innovative pairing of Holst's and Fraillon's works, makes this a standout release in the classical music genre. Whether you're a longtime fan of Holst's "The Planets" or a newcomer to classical music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening 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.