Gustav Holst - Music for two Pianos (The Planets; The Perfect Fool)

Gustav  HOLST (1874-1934)

Music for Two Pianos

The Planets Op 32

The Perfect Fool Op.39

Len Vorster & Robert Chamberlain (Pianos)

 If you love Gustav Holst & The Planets but have heard the orchestral version one (or one-hundred) too many times, Holst's original arrangement for two pianos will bring his musical zodiac to life once more.

The two piano version highlights the Stravinskian qualities, not to mention the flavors of Richard Strauss & British late-impressionism, which were all drifting through England's cultural climate at the time. Of course, there's also plenty of British rural folk song influence. The entire suite is permeated with Holst's mysticism. He knew his astrology & was on familiar terms with the shadowy aspects of the Isles. Only Neptune doesn't quite work without the ethereal female choir. I think the pianists should made a place for a voice or voices in that movement.

The three lovely Spirit Dances from The Perfect Fool ballet are ideal choices to round out the album, as the basic elements of Earth, Water & Fire (no Air?) join their planetary counterparts.

All-in-all, a grand piano experience!

Recorded in Australia, 1997.