The best recordings of Holst's The Planets.In fact, he regarded the fame and attention that the impact of The Planets (1914-16) brought him in the 1920s as a downright nuisance. Music had possessed him so completely since childhood that it was all the same to him whether he was elaborating The Hymn of Jesus (1917) in his soundproof room at St Paul’s Girls’ School or listening to competitive brass bands rollicking through one of his suites whether he was conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra in a Haydn symphony or coaxing thousands of war-weary troops in the Middle East to sing madrigals. Nor were his first three reasons for gratitude unexpected. That Holst found the near-death experience something of a release is not so surprising after decades of chronic overwork. And the four chief reasons for gratitude were music, the Cotswolds, RVW, and having known the impersonality of orchestral playing.’ And, as I have always expected, it was a lovely feeling… As soon as I reached the bottom, I had one clear, intense and calm feeling – that of overwhelming gratitude. As he subsequently recounted it to Ralph Vaughan Williams: ‘I felt I was sinking so low that I couldn’t go much further. The plaque will be displayed outside the Great Hall on our London Road campus.In March 1932, halfway through a hectic visit to the United States to conduct various orchestras and to teach at Harvard, Gustav Holst succumbed to a bleeding stomach ulcer and nearly died. I hope to continue with my composing endeavours to achieve exciting and exhilarating music as per Holst." As a keen composer myself he is a true inspiration. Performing his works in the Great Hall has been a particular highlight of my time at the University of Reading. Liz said: "It's a great privilege to perform on the same stage on which Holst conducted. It is therefore fitting that we recognise his University of Reading career in this manner."ĭuring the ceremony Liz Morgan, Leader of the Student Ensemble in Residence and a final year music specialism student in the Institute of Education, gave a short citation on Holst. Being a student of his must have been exciting and inspiring. Gustav Holst was one of the truly great composers. Sir David Bell, University of Reading Vice-Chancellor, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating the achievements of noteworthy individuals and their contribution to the University. Over the last 12 months, Reading-born music legend Geoff Goddard and Edith Morley, believed to be the first woman to be awarded the title of professor in a British university, have been celebrated though the scheme. The unveiling of the Gustav Holst plaque forms part the of the University's commemorative plaque scheme. The secret of his teaching success ‘came as much from the joy which he got from music and with which he infected them'. His teaching style was ‘to draw out of his pupils all that was best of them by any means in his power' and ‘making them learn by doing'. He is described as ‘a curious blend of the visionary and the practical - a rare combination indeed'. Gustav composer archive#In 1923 he infamously fell from the stage in the University's Great Hall stage while conducting, suffering a mild concussion.Īlthough there are no documented reports of the incident, material from the University's archive has revealed the esteem in which students held their illustrious lecturer. He also conducted the University's orchestra and choral society. Holst, perhaps best known for his 'Planets Suite', was teacher of harmony and composition at the University of Reading from 1920-1923. The University of Reading's Chancellor Sir John Madejski has unveiled a special plaque to celebrate the great Gustav Holst's teaching career in its music department.
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