Holst: The Planets

Customer Rating:
Summary: A must have!!
Comment: As a child, we had an lp with Sir Adrian Boult conducting. Nice. Then came Mehta's performance, on a particularly good vinyl issue. Some were pressed in Holland. This one was pressed in UK.

Anyway, I believe this put the LA Philharmonic on the map. Mars sets the stage showcasing the virtuosity of the brass section against a foreboding sense of urgency in the violin section. Some say there is a overemphasis on the brass but personally I think not. I really like the way Saturn and Jupiter was handled. The CD is enhanced by "Ambient Sound Imaging."

I've gone through other renditions but keep coming back to Mehta's.

I brought it to a high end audio store to test speakers and the salesman liked the version so much he wrote it down!

You'll love it!

Customer Rating:
Summary: Where's the Fire
Comment: I was so disappointed with this CD that I bought a different Holst "Planets" CD. Zubin Mehta decided to rush through my favorite part of "Jupiter". The cello (I think) section should be slow and deliberate. The jolly clown is having a pensive moment. This part should be chewed finely and savored. Rushing through it ruins the piece. The rest is not exactly great, either.

Customer Rating:
Summary: 'A GIANT INFLUENCE ON PROGRESSIVE ROCK"
Comment: Holst The Planets was a universal awakening for progressive rock musicians during the early 70's. Mars, the bringer of War turns up on King Crimson's The Devil's Triangle. Excerpts from Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity are found on NO OPPORTUNITY NECESSARY by Yes. The main melody is reproduced on Manfred Mann's Joybringer. The center section of Mars, Bringer of War is played by Lucifer's Friend on Summerdream. I have also heard snipets of Procol Harum and Univers Zero. I believe that David Bedford and Bernard Hermann were influenced as well. Holst the Planets is very educating and musicians have been studying the work for decades. John Williams compositions for the Star Wars Trilogy is the most common example of just how influential Holst really was. A great buy!

Customer Rating:
Summary: John Williams Owes Holst Big-time
Comment: Give a listen to The Planets, and you'll recognize the phrases and melodies and arrangement style that became Star Wars in John Williams' able hands.

Customer Rating:
Summary: music 5
Comment: I bought tis for my son who is a music major. He loved it