Fool in Music
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Gustav Holst. At college, Holst meets his match in fellow composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.
We often think of composers as solitary geniuses, scribbling away at their masterpieces, working alone. But this isn’t always the case. Gustav Holst, most famous for composing The Planets, struggled all his life with neuritis, a condition that made his arms feel like “jelly overcharged with electricity.” It was frequently impossible for him to play or even write, so, to bring his vision of our solar system to life, he needed help. This week, Donald Macleod charts Holst’s interplanetary expedition and discovers the unsung heroes who placed him amongst the stars.
In today’s programme, Donald discovers how Holst formed one of the most important and longest lasting friendships of his life, with his fellow student Ralph Vaughan Williams.
The Planets, Op 32 (Saturn)
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski
Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Op 26 (3rd Group, H99)
Grace Cloutier, harp
Etherea Vocal Ensemble, conducted by Derek Greten-Harrison
The Hymn of Jesus, Op37 / H 140 (Hymn II, Hymn III, Hymn IV)
London Symphony Chorus, St Paul’s Cathedral Choir and London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Charles Groves
5 Partsongs, Op 12, H 61
The Choir of King’s College London, conducted by Joseph Fort
Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West
Last on
Music Played
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Gustav Holst
The Planets, Op 32 (5th mvt, Saturn, The Bringer of Old Age)
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski.- LPO: LPO0047.
- LPO.
- 5.
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Gustav Holst
Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda.,Op 26 No 3
Performer: Grace Cloutier. Choir: Etherea Vocal Ensemble. Director: Derek Greten-Harrison.- DELOS : DE-3431.
- DELOS.
- 1.
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Gustav Holst
The Hymn of Jesus, Op 37 (excerpt)
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Charles Groves. Choir: St Paul's Cathedral Choir. Choir: London Symphony Chorus.- EMI : CDM 5-651128 2.
- EMI.
- 1.
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Gustav Holst
Five Part-Songs, Op 12
Choir: Choir of King’s College, London. Director: Joseph Fort.- DELPHIAN : DCD-34241.
- DELPHIAN.
- 19.
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Gustav Holst
The Planets, Op 32 (5th mvt, Saturn, The Bringer of Old Age)
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski.- LPO: LPO0047.
- LPO.
- 5.
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Antonio Vivaldi
Stabat mater, RV 621 (1st mvt)
Singer: Andreas Scholl. Ensemble: Ensemble 415. Director: Chiara Banchini.- HARMONIA MUNDI.
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Joseph Haydn
Symphony no.86 in D major (4th mvt)
Orchestra: Le Concert de la Loge. Conductor: Julien Chauvin.- Haydn: Stabat Mater, Symphonies Parisiennes Nos. 84 & 86.
- Aparté.
- 211.
Broadcast
- Tue 17 Sep 202416:00BBC Radio 3
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