The Duty of a Teacher

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 this programme, Donald follows Holst’s final years, a time when he withdrew from the public eye and learned to love composing again.

Scherzo for Orchestra, H192 
BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis

Hammersmith - Prelude and Scherzo, H178, Op 52 
Dallas Wind Symphony, conducted by Howard Dunn 

Egdon Heath Op. 47 (1st mvt, Adagio - Poco Allegro - Andante maestoso) 
BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis 

Brook Green Suite 
English Sinfonia, conducted by Howard Griffiths 

The Planets, Op 32 (Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity) arr. for two pianos 
Len Vorster, piano
Robert Chamberlain, piano

Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West