A magnificent orchestral picture scroll painted on a cosmic scale.
Adrian Boult conducts Holst's work, with a profound yet transparent sound that beautifully recreates the mysticism of the suite.
The tension builds from the opening "Mars," with masterful control of the driving rhythm and roaring brass. Soft strings unfold in "Venus," while the grand melody of "Jupiter" creates a sense of exhilaration. The fading chorus in the finale, "Neptune," is captivating, capturing a cosmic silence. Boult's interpretation, combining rigorous construction with deep emotion, highlights his profound understanding of Holst's work. This recording under his direction is a definitive document of the British orchestral aesthetic.
