Gustav Holst

Suite de Ballet op. 10/ H. 43

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) composed Suite de Ballet, Op. 10 (H. 43) in 1899, while still in his twenties and touring as a trombonist with the Carl Rosa Opera Company. Originally designated Op. 8, the work was later revised in 1912 and published as Op. 10, reflecting Holst's continuing refinement of his early orchestral style. Cast in four movements (1. Danse rustique; 2. Valse; 3. Scène de nuit; 4. Carnival), the suite reveals the influence of late Victorian English composers and French ballet music while already displaying Holst's gift for colorful orchestration, rhythmic vitality, and memorable melody. The work received its premiere on June 29, 1904, at Queen's Hall, London, with the Royal College of Music Orchestra conducted by the composer, as part of the Patron's Fund Concerts established to encourage promising young British composers. Overshadowed in later years by masterpieces such as The Planets, Suite de Ballet nevertheless remains an engaging example of Holst's early orchestral voice and is increasingly appreciated through modern recordings and occasional concert performances as an attractive precursor to his mature style. Instrumentation: 3(3rd dPicc).2.2.2: 4.0+2(Crnt).3.1: Timp.Perc(4-5): Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): SoloVn (mvmt 3 only). Reprint edition.