Search - Gustav Holst, Len Vorster, Robert Chamberlain :: Holst: Music for Two Pianos

This is true "New Age" music.

DJ Rix | NJ USA | 11/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you love Gustav Holst & The Planets but have heard the orchestral version one (or one-hundred) too many times, Holst's original arrangement for two pianos will bring his musical zodiac to life once more.The two piano version highlights the Stravinskian qualities, not to mention the flavors of Richard Strauss & British late-impressionism, which were all drifting through England's cultural climate at the time. Of course, there's also plenty of British rural folk song influence. The entire suite is permeated with Holst's mysticism. He knew his astrology & was on familiar terms with the shadowy aspects of the Isles. Only Neptune doesn't quite work without the ethereal female choir. I think the pianists should made a place for a voice or voices in that movement. The three lovely Spirit Dances from The Perfect Fool ballet are ideal choices to round out the album, as the basic elements of Earth, Water & Fire (no Air?) join their planetary counterparts.All-in-all, a grand piano experience! Recorded in Australia, 1997. Good liner notes. Total time: 44:41 (Planets) plus 10:45 (Perfect Fool)."

A very impressive experience!

Raul Galarza | San Jose, San Jose Costa Rica | 07/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD, no lacking curiosity of how was going to sound Holst's signature work on a two piano version... And I got really and completely satisfied! The quality of the recording is top, so does the interpretation. Once again, NAXOS gives us a recording to enjoy from head to toe...The tempos are very well equilibrated and the fortes and pianos are interestingly achieved.Everyone can easily get impressed with Mars and Saturn and there is some kind of impresionist air in the other planets which are, indeed, influenced by the new dimension in which we are: the intimacy between the sound of the pianos and your own presence.If you have ever listen to the original work in its full orchestrated version, whoever the director is, this one is a very recommendable alternative to enjoy it too!"