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One of the very best "The Planets" on record

L. Johan Modée | Earth | 03/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1974 recording with André Previn conducting the London Symphony Orchestra is one of the very best interpretations and recordings of Holst's orchestral suite "The Planets" that we have on record (now also on DVD: Holst: The Planets (DVD-Audio)).



First, the interpretation is second to none. Previn's conception of all the movements is excellent and perfectly consistent, from the extremely violent "Mars" to the dreamy, lyrical "Neptune". Second, the sound is superb: clear, detailed, full-bodied analogue stereo sound from the days when EMI made their very best recordings.



Within a crowded field, it is easy to miss this gem. References include Boult's 1966 recording with New Philharmonia (EMI) British Composers: Holst, Steinberg's 1971 recording with Boston Symphony (DG) Holst: The Planets / R. Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra, and Handley's 1993 recording with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Alto) Holst: The Planets; St. Paul's Suite; Brook Green Suite. Even if I hold all these to be essential performances too, I would select Previn's as the first recommendation (that is, the present recording, not his later recording for Telarc).



Unfortunately, this superb "The Planets" has not been released in a new CD remastering by EMI since 1985. But for sure, it's one of the Great Recordings of the 20th Century.



Warmly recommended!"