Holst: The Planets

‘This magnificent performance of The Planets, recorded with an opulent realism, brings to a culmination Boult’s supreme understanding of this work.’ Gramophone

Holst’s Planets is a hi-fi test piece par excellence. The music explores every nuance and dynamic of which a modern symphony orchestra is capable. When reproduced at a realistic volume level with full frequency range, the music has a stunning emotional impact – at times savage – at other times beguiling. The piece has been recorded many times since its 1918 debut under Sir Boult’s baton but its colours never glowed more brilliantly than in this performance.