BaL 11.01.25 - Holst: The Planets

[Pulcinella]

1500
Building a Library
Nigel Simeone chooses his favourite version of Holst's The Planets

The ever popular Planets is a seven-movement orchestral suite by Gustav Holst, written during the First World War. Each movement describes in music the character of a planet. After some initial hostility among a few critics the suite soon became widely performed. During a holiday in Spain with the composer Arnold Bax and others, a discussion about astrology got Holst interested in the subject. Apparently Holst became "a remarkably skilled interpreter of horoscopes". Shortly after the holiday Holst wrote : "I only study things that suggest music to me ... the character of each planet suggested lots to me, and I have been studying astrology fairly closely". The characteristics the composer gave to the planets may have been taken from a booklet by Alan Leo: "What Is a Horoscope?" The title of two movements – "Mercury, the Winged Messenger" and "Neptune, the Mystic" – came from this book. But although astrology was Holst's starting point, he arranged the planets to suit his own musical plan.

Presto listing here:

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/works/59685--holst-the-planets-op-32/browse

It has featured (complete) on two BBC MM CDs.

Volume 5, Number 1: BBC Philharmonic conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier (recorded in the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, on 13 July 1996; labelled a studio recording)
Volume 21, Number 10: BBCSO conducted by Sir Adrian Boult (recorded live at the BBC Proms on 7 September 1973)

[Barbirollians]

Somehow I suspect Sir Adrian Boult could be the winner here .

[Petrushka]

Somehow I suspect Sir Adrian Boult could be the winner here .

I agree, but which Boult recording? I'm not sure exactly how many times he recorded it but I have four Boult versions on my shelves: 1945, 1966, 1978 and the live 1973. This last is now available commercially so is certainly in the running.

Given Sir Adrian's close connection to the work every collection should include at least one of them regardless of other considerations.

Away from Boult, there are some terrific versions out there which deserve to be in the mix. My own favourites would include LSO/Previn (a former BaL winner, I think), LPO/Solti (my first CD) and VPO/Karajan. The last may not be to all tastes given the individual sound of the orchestra but I love it, especially the terrifying vision of Mars.

I can't remember who it was who said that they judge recordings of The Planets by how well they can hear the organ in Mars. In that case you could disregard most, I think, but they have a point.

There's more to The Planets than Boult but one of his recordings has to be in every self-respecting collection.

[LMcD]

I agree, but which Boult recording? I'm not sure exactly how many times he recorded it but I have four Boult versions on my shelves: 1945, 1966, 1978 and the live 1973. This last is now available commercially so is certainly in the running.

Given Sir Adrian's close connection to the work every collection should include at least one of them regardless of other considerations.

Away from Boult, there are some terrific versions out there which deserve to be in the mix. My own favourites would include LSO/Previn (a former BaL winner, I think), LPO/Solti (my first CD) and VPO/Karajan. The last may not be to all tastes given the individual sound of the orchestra but I love it, especially the terrifying vision of Mars.

I can't remember who it was who said that they judge recordings of The Planets by how well they can hear the organ in Mars. In that case you could disregard most, I think, but they have a point.

There's more to The Planets than Boult but one of his recordings has to be in every self-respecting collection.

Does anybody's recording of Saturn run rings round all the others?

[Keraulophone]

Somehow I suspect Sir Adrian Boult could be the winner here .

I think you may be right, the composer having written rather touchingly in ACB's score: 'This copy is the property of Adrian Boult who first caused the planets to shine in public and thereby earned the gratitude of Gustav Holst'.

Here are Andrew Farach‑Colton's 'Greatest' choices in the August 2024 Gramophone:

TOP CHOICE
LPO / Adrian Boult (1978)
Warner Classics

THE OFFBEAT CHOIC
Boston Pops / John Williams
Philips

THE AUDIOPHILE’S CHOICE
Los Angeles PO / Zubin Mehta
Decca

THE HISTORIC CHOICE
LSO / Gustav Holst
Naxos

https://www.gramophone.co.uk/features/article/holst-s-the-planets-a-guide-to-the-greatest-recordings

[Keraulophone]

John Challenger, Assistant Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, has been working on this worthwhile Planets project. I heard the performance he gave on Truro Cathedral's famous 1887 Father Willis organ during the inflatable Earth installation which has done the rounds of several cathedrals. The effect was magical in the darkness of the building, only illuminated by the huge earth filling much of the crossing, rotating slowly on its axis (though not at 23.5 drgrees to the vertical as it should be - no seasons here!).

Performance on the great 1877 Father Willis organ of Salisbury Cathedral - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb2ID-2JFUE

'The Planets Project (2023) featured Holst’s The Planets in John Challenger’s new arrangement for the Salisbury Cathedral organ in work between local schools, our Cathedral’s Education Department, and the music charity La Folia.

To conclude the Planets Project, the music has been recorded for a double-release: an audio album, and a full-length film entitled ‘The Planets – Out of Darkness’. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Holst’s birth, the film showcases John Challenger’s full arrangement of The Planets on the Cathedral’s vibrant Father Willis organ, paired with night-time shots of the Cathedral’s unique interior.'

Further information - https://www.salisburycathedral.org.u...s/the-planets/

[smittims]

Mention of arangements reminds me of Tomita's synthesiser version which was banned immediately after issue on LP as they had not sought copyright permission, amazingly. Maybe they thought it was so well-known it had to be in public domain. Imogen Holst was quoted as calling it 'sacrilege', which was going too far, I thought. I managed to get one of the few copies in circulation before it was withdrawn, and enjoyed it .

I think one of Malcolm Sargent's two versions ought to be in the running for a 'historical' choice. His was a different interpretation from Sir Adrian's but equally valid, I thought. And I confess to liking the much-maligned Stokowski, the first LP I bought, in 1966.

[oliver sudden]

Mention of arangements reminds me of Tomita's synthesiser version which was banned immediately after issue on LP as they had not sought copyright permission, amazingly. Maybe they thought it was so well-known it had to be in public domain. Imogen Holst was quoted as calling it 'sacrilege', which was going too far, I thought. I managed to get one of the few copies in circulation before it was withdrawn, and enjoyed it .

I think one of Malcolm Sargent's two versions ought to be in the running for a 'historical' choice. His was a different interpretation from Sir Adrian's but equally valid, I thought. …

Oh! I have an LP copy of the Tomita back in Melbourne. And I am about to spend a few weeks there. I must bring it back.

I think there’s a more recent revamping thereof as well.

The Sargent in the Icon box is indeed tremendous. (Whichever one that is.)

[Pulcinella]

Doesn't Steinberg with the Boston SO also have 'classic' status?

[Darloboy]

Previous BaL recommendations:

Edward Greenfield (May 79): LSO/Previn
Michael Kennedy (Feb 85): BPO/Karajan + VPO/Karajan as mid-price choice
Piers Burton-Page (Sept 03 + Aug 05 (BaL revisited): Atlanta SO/Levi + Philharmonia/Gardiner as runner-up & BBC SO/Andrew Davis as bargain choice
The DON (Sep 14): Cincinnati SO/Paavo Järvi

[Barbirollians]

Typically odd choice from D.O.N

Boult 1978 is outstanding IMO - though I also like Previn VPO/Karajan and I suspect out of the running due to his behaviour Dutoit- another sneaking soft spot for Stoky here too.

[Goon525]

Typically odd choice from D.O.N

Boult 1978 is outstanding IMO - though I also like Previn VPO/Karajan and I suspect out of the running due to his behaviour Dutoit- another sneaking soft spot for Stoky here too.

The Montreal/Dutoit is absolutely fabulous, and a demonstration quality recording.

[CallMePaul]

Previous BaL recommendations:

Edward Greenfield (May 79): LSO/Previn
Michael Kennedy (Feb 85): BPO/Karajan + VPO/Karajan as mid-price choice
Piers Burton-Page (Sept 03 + Aug 05 (BaL revisited): Atlanta SO/Levi + Philharmonia/Gardiner as runner-up & BBC SO/Andrew Davis as bargain choice
The DON (Sep 14): Cincinnati SO/Paavo Järvi

On the basis of the 2003/05 recommendation I bought the Davis in a box set, but as both it and the coupling (Egdon Heath) were almost inaudible I suspect I was sold a pig in a poke. I therefore need a new version - not sure which one so Nigel/ Makropulos may habe some tips.

[gradus]

I only have the Sargent BBCSO recording which is pretty good and I've never bought another as the piece is so often broadcast.

[oliver sudden]

Doesn't Steinberg with the Boston SO also have 'classic' status?

It certainly does for me, and the recentish remastering worked wonders!