The Planets: Saffron Hall

Repertoire

Dvořák Cello Concerto Listen
Holst The Planets Listen

Performers

• Granta Chorale
• Edward Gardner conductor
• Nicolas Altstaedt cello

Everyone knows a bit of The Planets, Holst’s century-old masterpiece, whether it’s the relentless menace and war-like rhythms of Mars or that magisterial melody from Jupiter. But to hear the complete work is a revelation - an epic journey to the outer reaches of the solar system in what the composer over-modestly described as ‘a series of mood pictures’.

From Venus’ serenity and the quicksilver messenger Mercury to the noble processional of Uranus the Magician, Holst does indeed instantly capture a mood with thrillingly original music, using his gigantic orchestra to wonderful effect. Dvořák’s beloved concerto is more earth-bound, inflected with the modes and rhythms of the music of his homeland. But in its elegiac slow movement and radiant apotheosis it seems to cast its gaze toward the stars.