1874-1934
A Double Life in Music devised and introduced by John Amis
Yes, Holst is cold occasionally, but it is the cold that approximates to intense heat.
(RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS)
Gustav Holst , best known for his famous Planets Suite, was born in Cheltenham on 21 September 1874. This film illustrates the contrasting styles of his music and his life as teacher and composer.
Imogen Hoist talks about her father and conducts The Linden Singers in Thaxted Church in Essex where he lived for a time. She also conducts the Band of the Royal Military School of Music playing her father's First Suite for Military Band.
Sheila Armstrong (soprano) and Hugh Bean perform songs for voice and violin; and John Lill plays the Toccata for piano in Hoist's music-room at St Paul's Girls' School, Hammersmith, where he taught for many years. Two of his former pupils, Edmund Rubbra the composer and Irene Swann , remember him.
Film cameraman PETER HALL Film editor ARTIIUR BENNETT Director DENIS MORIARTY