Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Life Before the War, Life Before the Planets

Composer of the Week Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

Episode 1 of 5

Donald Macleod explores Gustav Holst's childhood in Cheltenham, studies in London and his eventual break into teaching, aided by his friend Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Donald Macleod explores the life and career of the English composer Gustav Holst (1874-1912). Remembered by many as the man who wrote The Planets suite, Holst was much more than that. He was an intriguing character and the composer of a number of individual, compelling works. In Monday's episode, Donald focuses on Holst's childhood in Cheltenham, his studies in London and the friendships he made there. This was followed by his break into teaching, and an enforced trip away which led to a rather controversial composition.

Show less

1 hour

Last on

Mon 23 Mar 2015 18:00

BBC Radio 3

More episodes

You are at the first episode

Choral Music, World War I and The Planets—Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

See all episodes from Composer of the Week

Gustav Holst

Suite no. 1 in E flat major Op.28`1 - March
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Adrian Boult.
- LYRITA: SRCD246.
- LYRITA.
- 15.
Gustav Holst

Cotswold symphony H.47 - 2nd movement; Elegy in memoriam William Morris
Orchestra: Ulster Orchestra. Conductor: JoAnn Falletta.
- NAXOS: 8572914.
- NAXOS.
- 3.
Gustav Holst

A Somerset rhapsody Op.21`2
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Richard Hickox.
- CHANDOS : CHAN9420.
- CHANDOS.
- 2.
Gustav Holst

St Paul's suite Op.29`2
Orchestra: Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Conductor: Christopher Hogwood.
- DECCA:4802323.
- DECCA.
- 13.
Gustav Holst

Beni Mora - oriental suite Op.29`1
Conductor: Malcolm Sargent. Orchestra: BBC S O..
- EMI: CDC7497842.
- EMI.
- 6.