Composer: Gustav Holst
Works: Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Savitri, Seven Partsongs, The Evening Watch, Fugal Concerto, St Paul’s Suite, Ballet Music from The Perfect Fool, Egdon Heath, The Hymn of Jesus, Moorside Suite
Performers: Purcell Singers, Osian Ellis (harp), Imogen Holst, Janet Baker (mezzo), Robert Tear (tenor), Thomas Hemsley (baritone), St Paul Chamber Orchestra, Christopher Hogwood, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult, Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Elgar Howarth
Recording: Various dates spanning 1961 to 1992
Label: DECCA
Gustav Holst remains one of the most intriguing figures in the English music canon, often overshadowed by the fame of his orchestral suite, The Planets. This latest release in Decca’s British Music Collection brings together a wealth of his choral and orchestral works that reveal the composer’s multifaceted genius. From the introspective depths of Egdon Heath to the ethereal beauty of Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, this collection offers a comprehensive glimpse into Holst’s diverse musical language, reflective of his wide-ranging interests in literature, mythology, and spirituality.
Performances across this two-CD set are commendable, with an emphasis on clarity and balance that allows the varied textures of Holst’s compositions to emerge. The Purcell Singers, under the direction of Imogen Holst, deliver an authentic interpretation of the vocal works. Their rendition of the Choral Hymns, characterized by sensitive phrasing and a keen sense of dynamics, captures the essence of Holst’s fascination with Sanskrit literature. The shimmering interplay between voices and harp in these hymns is particularly well realized, thanks to Osian Ellis’s nuanced playing. Similarly, the chamber opera Savitri, featuring the luminous voice of Janet Baker, is a high point. Baker’s portrayal of the title role is both commanding and intimate, conveying the mystical narrative with a depth that is hard to surpass.
Orchestral works such as the Fugal Concerto and St Paul’s Suite, performed by the St Paul Chamber Orchestra under Christopher Hogwood, exhibit a precision that is both exhilarating and demanding. Hogwood’s interpretation respects the neo-classical idiom of Holst while imbuing the music with warmth and liveliness. However, at times, there is a tendency towards efficiency in phrasing that, while technically proficient, occasionally lacks the emotional resonance that these works can evoke. In contrast, Sir Adrian Boult’s recordings of Egdon Heath and The Hymn of Jesus stand out for their atmospheric depth. Boult’s longstanding relationship with Holst’s music informs his readings, which are steeped in a profound understanding of the composer’s intent. The remastering of these recordings has brought forth a vibrant sonority, particularly in The Hymn of Jesus, where the chorus and orchestra blend seamlessly, achieving an expansive soundscape that reflects the work’s spiritual aspirations.
The engineering quality throughout is commendable, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate details of Holst’s orchestration. The atmospheric recordings of Egdon Heath are particularly noteworthy; the interplay of orchestral colors creates a haunting sound world that complements the piece’s literary inspirations. Comparatively, while recent recordings from other labels like Hyperion have their own merits, this collection holds its own, particularly in the warmth and clarity of Boult’s interpretations, which resonate with a historical authenticity that newer interpretations often lack.
This comprehensive collection not only champions Holst’s lesser-known works but also serves as a testament to his remarkable versatility as a composer. The range of styles and emotional landscapes presented here invites listeners to delve deeper into Holst’s world, revealing an artist whose explorations extend far beyond the popular tropes associated with The Planets. The performances, recording quality, and sheer breadth of repertoire ensure that this release occupies a distinguished place in the catalog of English music, offering both new listeners and seasoned aficionados a rich tapestry of Holst’s artistic vision.
