Gustav Holst: The Planets with Daniel Harding and the BRSO

Featuring

Daniel Harding
Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Gustav Holst

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Holst's interest in astrology for 'The Planets' was primarily as an 'initial spark for the creative process,' as he only studied things that 'suggest music' to him.

Critical Reception

The premiere of 'The Planets' in 1920 was met with great enthusiasm from critics and the public, unlike earlier performances under its original title.

Composition History

Holst originally titled 'The Planets' as 'Seven Pieces for Large Orchestra' and only later added the planetary names for practical reasons.

Composer Biography

Gustav Holst, the composer of 'The Planets', was introduced to astrology by his friend Clifford Bax during a trip to Mallorca in 1913.

Compositional Technique

Holst conceived the individual movements of 'The Planets' as 'mood pictures' or 'embodiments' of character, rather than a traditional symphonic poem with interconnected musical ideas.

Performer Biography

Daniel Harding, the conductor on this album, is also an active airline pilot for a major European airline when not conducting.

Historical Context

The movement 'Mars, the Bringer of War' resonated strongly at its 1920 premiere with a nation traumatized by World War I, despite being composed in 1914 before the war.