Holst: From Somerset to the Stars
The Planets and Other Worlds
Spring 2027 Season: Rehearsals start January 5, 2027
Gustav Holst was at home in two very different worlds: the folk songs of the English countryside and the far reaches of the solar system. He is best known for The Planets, but he also helped establish the modern wind band repertoire, and his music has been at its heart ever since.
This concert brings both worlds together. We begin with Holst’s lively arrangement of Bach’s Fugue à la Gigue, then journey into space with all seven movements of The Planets, from the relentless march of “Mars” to the hushed, fading mystery of “Neptune.” After intermission, we return to earth with the landmark First Suite in E♭ and the English folk tunes of A Somerset Rhapsody. Finally, we travel further afield for the vivid dances of the Japanese Suite, ending with the ferocious “Dance of the Wolves.”
Join the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble on a trip to the farthest stars and back again.