Saturn: The Bringer of Old Age - The Planets (Gustav Holst) | Behind the Score: Episode 55
Added 2024-06-14 23:50:39 +0000 UTCWe're continuing on in our study of The Planets by Gustav Holst. This time, it's the mysterious and plodding fifth movement, Saturn. This movement is a masterclass in chord voicings with whole-tone scale fragments. And, the orchestral colors are unique and exhilarating. I hope you enjoy!
Comments
Thanks so much Bill!
R. Douglas Helvering
2024-06-19 01:43:13 +0000 UTCThanks, Doug. I always learn a lot from these. As a bonus, I've listened to The Planets on my own - sort of "studying ahead." It really is a marvelous achievement. Holst really understood exactly what he wanted to accomplish, and he had the knowledge and skills to pull it off magnificently. You're the best, Doug!
Bill Brinkmoeller
2024-06-18 07:20:31 +0000 UTCThanks Peter...I agree that Holst (even in his popularity) is under-appreciated.
R. Douglas Helvering
2024-06-15 16:13:42 +0000 UTCI always loved the ponderous, thoughtful clock-tick in the woodwinds that starts the piece, how the pacing leads into those wonderful fff chords that declaim time's inexorable march, and how the piece's arc concludes in a comforting atmosphere - just brilliant. Everyone talks about Rimsky-Korsakov's colorful scoring. Holst should be mentioned with the same respect. His woodwind coloration and brass scoring is just wonderful. Russians have 'The Five', (Cui, Borodin, Balakirev, Mussorgsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov) and the French have 'Les Six' (Milhaud, Poulenc, Honegger, Auric, Durey, and Tailleferre). I've always thought there should be a similar grouping for the great British composers of the early/mid 20th century: Delius, Holst, Vaughn-Williams, Britten, Bax, Ireland. Maybe Elgar as the senior member. These analyses always make for a *great* weekend morning session over coffee, and always make me want to get to the piano and noodle around with the same concepts. Thanks so much, Doug ! Nice lecture, as always.
Peter Tutak
2024-06-15 15:00:03 +0000 UTCholst is great in this mode. Egdon Heath and the last movement of the 7 Part Songs. guess that would be the 7th movement. 7ps very well worth a listen. Egdon Heath too. bone chilling.
ax o'lotl
2024-06-15 13:02:01 +0000 UTCTick, tock, tick, tock ... But much more complex, sophisticated, and ultimately satisfying. Love that bass oboe, too! Thanks for the dive, Doug!
Ford H. Cotton III
2024-06-15 00:48:51 +0000 UTC
