Gustav Holst

Gustav Holst was a composer, arranger and teacher, best known for his orchestral The Planets suite which he began composing in 1914, with Mars the first to be written, followed by Venus and Jupiter. Saturn, Uranus and Neptune were all composed in 1915, with Mercury completing the suite in 1916. Each planet was represented with a distinct character and the overall work was inspired by Holst's interest in astrology.

The enormity of the universe revealed by science cannot readily be grasped by the human brain, but the music of The Planets enables the mind to acquire come comprehension of the vastness of space wehere rational understanding fails.

Holst composed a large number of other works across a wide range of genres, although none achieved the phenomenal success of The Planets. Uncomfortable with fame and celebrity he was happiest when left to compose, turning down interviews, honours and awards and he rarely signed autographs.

Failure is the most important part of an artist's training, and one you cannot afford to do without.

Holst was also a keen rambler, walking extensively in England, Italy, France and Algeria. To learn more about Gustav Holst click and explore any of his media channels and network links in the tool-bar above.