Life Before the War, Life Before the Planets
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.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Music Played
![]()
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.
Broadcasts
- Mon 23 Mar 201512:00BBC Radio 3
- Mon 23 Mar 201518:00BBC Radio 3
Beethoven Unleashed – the box set
The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.
What was really wrong with Beethoven?
Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems
Composers A to Z
Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.
Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week
The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years
Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem
What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?
A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...
The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.
Composer Help Page
Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.
