Gustav Holst

Holst's Symphony in F: The Cotswold Op.8 (H.47) was composed in 1899 and 1900 and given what was in all probability its only performance in 1902 by the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra conducted by Dan Godfrey (this was the first professional performance of any of Holst's orchestral works). The manuscript of the symphony is in the British Library. The music is uneven and only in the second movement 'Elegy' was Holst equal to his ambition: his feelings for Williams Moris whom he heard lecture and in whose London house he rehearsed the Hammersmith Socialist Choir inspired a heartfelt tribute. Morris died in 1896; he lived at Kelmscott Manor in Oxfordshire on the edge of theCotswolds from 1871 until his death.

These four early and unperformed part-songs are among a number of vocal works which Imogen Holst edited shortly before her death in 1984.

Gustav Holst's The Heart Worships set here for Voice In D Minor and Piano accompaniment by Alice Buckton.

In the Bleak Midwinter-A beatutiful arrangement of Christina Rossett's famous Christmas carol set by Gustav Holst and arranged by Philip Lawson. This carol will be popular with choirs and audiences alike.

Vocal ScoreSATB and orchestra. Orchestral material available for rental (Ref. HL96).

Gustav Holst's Assemble All Ye Maidens Op.44 No.7 for SSA with Piano accompaniment with words by Robert Bridges.

Best known for his exemplary exuberant orchestral work The Planets Gustav Holst’s diverse gamut also included hymns pastoral songs and folk music. He and the poet Robert Bridges became great friends over time their friendship blossoming after Holst sought copyright of one of Bridges’ works in May 1925. This is a terrific hymn set to a poem of Bridges' typical of the combined workings of these two great English artists and has been edited here for SATB mixed choir and organ pedals by Alan Gibbs.