IDAGIO | Holst: The Planets, Op. 32, H. 125 - Elgar: Introduction & Allegro, Op. 47 & Salut d'amour, Op. 12 748871070929

Featuring

Ben Schoeman
Tessa Uys
Gustav Holst
Edward Elgar

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Performer Biography

Tessa Uys and Ben Schoeman, the piano duo on this recording, have previously recorded six volumes encompassing all nine Beethoven symphonies arranged for piano duet by Xaver Scharwenka.

Composer Biography

Edward Elgar's famous melody Salut d'Amour was written in 1888 as a wedding present for his fiancée, Caroline Alice Roberts, who was eight years his senior.

Composition History

Holst's The Planets opens with 'Mars, the Bringer of War' and was written in 1914, but the first movement was composed months before World War I began, not inspired by it.

Composition History

Gustav Holst, the composer of The Planets, initially drafted the work for two pianos due to neuritis, a condition that made writing painfully difficult for him.

Historical Context

Before the widespread availability of radio and gramophones, many households relied on family members who could play the piano to experience orchestral and operatic music.

Cultural Impact

The noble theme from the 'Jupiter' movement of Holst's The Planets was adapted in 1921 to the words 'I vow to thee, my country' by Sir Cecil Spring Rice, creating a patriotic hymn.