We often think of composers as solitary geniuses, scribbling away at their masterpieces, working alone. But this isn’t always the case. Gustav Holst, most famous for composing The Planets, struggled all his life with neuritis, a condition that made his arms feel like “jelly overcharged with electricity.” It was frequently impossible for him to play or even write, so, to bring his vision of our solar system to life, he needed help. This week, Donald Macleod charts Holst’s interplanetary expedition and discovers the unsung heroes who placed him amongst the stars.

Music Featured:

The Planets, Op 32
Toccata, H 153
Symphony in F Major, Op 8, H 47 “The Cotswolds” (2nd mvt, Elegy, Molto adagio & 3rd mvt, Scherzo, Presto - Allegretto)
Sita, Op 23, H 89 (Interlude)
The Mystic Trumpeter, Op 18
Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Op 26 (3rd Group, H99)
The Hymn of Jesus, Op37 / H 140 (Hymn II, Hymn III, Hymn IV)
5 Partsongs, Op 12, H 61
St Paul’s Suite, Op 29, No 2
Ballet music from 'The Perfect Fool' H150 (Op 39)
Sāvitri, Op 25 (I - VI)
Ode to Death, Op 38, H 144
Suite No 2 for Military Band in F major, Op 28 No 2, H106
Choral Symphony, Op 41 (2nd mvt, Song and Bacchanal)
Scherzo for Orchestra, H192
Hammersmith - Prelude and Scherzo, H178, Op 52
Egdon Heath Op 47 (1st mvt, Adagio - Poco Allegro - Andante maestoso)
Brook Green Suite
The Planets, Op 32 (Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity) arr. for two pianos

Presented by Donald Macleod
Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Gustav Holst (1874-1934) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0022sj0

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z