Max Derrickson

(Theodore) Gustav Holst    (b September 21, 1874 in Cheltenham, England; d May 25, 1934 inLondon)

St. Paul’s Suite for String Orchestra, Op. 29, no. 2
1. Jig
2. Ostinato
3. Intermezzo
4. Finale, (the Dargason)

Best known for his extraordinary orchestral suite The Planets, British composer Gustav Holst composed an impressive opus of high quality works ranging from choral pieces to suites for military band.  His Romantic writing style drew on many influences, but his later music increasingly gravitated to folk song.  His life’s work, however, was teaching music whereas composing occurred in his spare time.  One of his longest held posts was at the St. Paul’s School for Girls in Hammersmith, England and his utterly charming St. Paul’s Suite was written between 1912 and 1913 for his student orchestra there.  Immediately, we hear Holst’s love of British folk song   [. . .]