Online Music Library
Holst – St Paul’s Suite Op.29 no.2
Notes:
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Percussion/Conductor
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Program Notes:
Theodore Gustav Holst (1874 – 1934)
Host – St. Paul’s Suite Op. 29 no.2
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.
The first movement begins with a robust “jig” in alternating 6/8 and 9/8 time. Holst then introduces a contrasting theme, then skilfully develops and blends the two. The “ostinato,” marked presto, opens with a figure played by the second violins which continues throughout the movement. Then a solo viola introduces a principal theme. In the “Intermezzo” a solo violin introduces the theme over pizzicato chords, and the solo viola joins the violin in a duet. After an animated section the original melody is again heard, now performed by a quartet of soloists. Finally, the folksong “Dargason” is introduced very softly, and the cellos enter playing the beautiful “Greensleeves”. The two folksongs are played together to end the suite.
Program Notes by:
Max Derrickson
https://www.musicprogramnotes.com/holst-st-pauls-suite-for-string-orchestra-op-29-no-2/
Jane Erb
http://www.classical.net/music/comp.lst/works/holst/stpaul.php