Holst: The Planets London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Colin Davis

• Gustav Holst (1874–1934): The Planets, Op. 32 (1914-16)
• 1 I. Mars, the Bringer of War 07:11
• 2 II. Venus, the Bringer of Peace 08:21
• 3 III. Mercury, the Winged Messenger 04:16
• 4 IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity 08:06
• 5 V. Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age 09:40
• 6 VI. Uranus, the Magician 05:57
• 7 VII. Neptune, the Mystic 06:43
• Total Runtime 50:14

Info for Holst: The Planets

Colin Davis, as might be expected, has no problems, conjuring like Uranus the Magician, the full panoply of atmosphere, stillness and energy from the vitruoso LSO' Daily Telegraph

The Planets became one of the most popular and widely recognised musical works of the 20th century. Holst himself conducted the LSO in two early recordings of his masterpiece. Sir Colin Davis's blazing performance, recorded over three evenings in June 2002, was one of the classical releases of the year.

'Colin Davis, as might be expected, has no problems, conjuring like Uranus the Magician, the full panoply of atmosphere, stillness and energy from the vitruoso LSO' (Daily Telegraph)

London Symphony Orchestra
Colin Davis, conductor

Recorded Live June 27th-30th, 2002 at The Barbican Centre, London
Engineered by Tony Faulkner
Produced by James Mallinson

Digitally remastered

Sir Colin Davis
The traditional road to success for a conductor used to be an apprenticeship in an opera house as a coach, playing the piano for singers in rehearsal. Colin Davis chose another route, partly by necessity. Unable to play the piano, he was not allowed into the conducting course at the Royal College of Music in London. So, he achieved an important international career by taking the initiative to form ensembles and conduct for friends at first. Early successes included the founding of the Chelsea Opera Group, a company which to this day gives performances of little known operas in concert.

Davis was soon working with professional orchestras including the BBC Scottish Symphony. His first ‘break’ was at Sadler’s Wells in 1958 when his conducting of Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio began a lifelong connection with that composer. The Edinburgh Festival followed along with Glyndebourne. His concert career blossomed in the mid 1960′s alongside his opera work and his other passion for Berlioz began to bring him to the attention of record lovers. He has recorded all the major works of Berlioz, including the first complete (and still regarded as the landmark) recording of Les Troyens.

Davis has enjoyed a career-long affiliation with Philips Classics, recording along with Berlioz, Mozart, the complete symphonies of Sibelius (while he was Principal Guest Conductor of the Boston Symphony in the 1970s) and much more.

Booklet for Holst: The Planets