Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

Holst was born in Cheltenham, England in 1874 to a musical family. He began composing around the age of 12. In 1895 he entered the Royal College of music where he studied composition with Charles Stanford alongside fellow student and friend Ralph Vaughan Williams. Holst earned a living initially as a trombonist but in 1905 he was appointed Director of Music at St. Paul’s Girls School, Hammersmith. 1907 saw him also teaching at Morley College, London. He maintained both posts throughout his life and with the emphasis on teaching most of his composing was done during school holidays.

Holst also found time for rambling, cycling and travelling being especially fascinated by different societies and local music and musicians. Among his destinations were Italy, France and Algeria. It was during an expedition to Spain that Holst discovered Astrology, the study and practise of which became a lifelong interest. The solar system, especially the traits of character assigned to each planet, provided the inspiration for Holst’s most famous works. However, despite the popularity of The Planets, it was the tone poem Egdon Heath based on Thomas Hardy’s Wessex that the composer felt was his greatest masterpiece.

Holst’s music became known for its distinctive rhythm and harmonic style. As well as his famous orchestral suites, he wrote for church, opera and wind band drawing his inspiration from a diverse range of sources. Holst was among the first to make use of new technology to promote his works by making sound recordings and BBC radio broadcasts. Hammersmith for military band was a BBC commission and a tribute to the borough in which Holst had spent most of his life. Poor health, a fall from the podium, and a stomach condition all took their toll on Holst. Complications following stomach surgery led to his death in 1934.

Influences and Inspiration
Travelling and sampling different cultures
Hindu Mysticism and spirituality
Sanskrit writings
English folk songs
Poetry, especially that of Walt Whitman and Thomas Hardy
Astrology