Holst: The Planets & Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra

Edward Gardner takes the helm in this captivating 2017 release, guiding the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain through a thrilling journey of two orchestral masterpieces. The album opens with Richard Strauss' monumental tone poem "Also sprach Zarathustra," a work that has become iconic in popular culture, thanks in part to its use in films like "2001: A Space Odyssey." The piece is a symphonic journey through Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical work of the same name, with each movement painting a vivid musical picture of different aspects of human existence.

Following Strauss, the album presents Gustav Holst's "The Planets," a suite of seven movements, each dedicated to a different planet in the solar system. Holst's work is a tour de force of orchestration, with each movement showcasing a different facet of the composer's genius. From the martial power of "Mars, the Bringer of War" to the ethereal beauty of "Neptune, the Mystic," the suite is a testament to Holst's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and atmospheres through music.

The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, under Gardner's direction, delivers a performance that is both powerful and nuanced, bringing out the full richness of these two works. The album is a testament to the skill and dedication of these young musicians, as well as the vision and artistry of their conductor. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to impress and inspire. With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, it's a substantial and rewarding listen, showcasing some of the finest orchestral music ever written.