Created by Mr. Sierakowski (2007)

Northern Illinois University

Grade 4

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Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

• Born on September 21st

• Experienced a horrible childhood

• Musical fascinations

• More neuritis problems

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More Holst

• Composition career begins

• Joins the Hammersmith Socialist Club

• 1895 becomes interested in Hindu philosophy

• Composition career at a stand still

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First Suite in Eb (1909)

• Composed in 1909

• Cornerstone of wind literature

• First Suite in three movements

• First performed in 1920

• Transcribed for orchestra

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Movement I - Chaconne

• A short repeated harmonic progression, can be in triple meter.

• Material used in movement I is quoted in other movements.

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Movement II - Intermezzo

• An interlude between to movements

• The tempo is marked vivace, light in character

• Holst shows off his mastery in writing for woodwind instruments

• Clarinet and trumpet soli

• Euphonium solo

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Movement III - March

• A procession suited for a parade or martial affair

• This movement is in ABA form

• Holst shows off his mastery in writing for brass instruments

• Combination of two melodies in a sophisticated counterpoint

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More Holst

• Holst’s interest in astrology

• The Planets, (1914-1920)

• Despised the popularity

• May 25th, 1934

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Vocabulary used in the “First Suite”

series of movements, same or related keys

repeated short progression, can be in triple meter

moderately fast

smooth, and connected

staccato, detached or separated

all voices or instruments together

heavy, with great weight

a due, two instruments playing unison lines

in a dignified or majestic fashion

• Suite –

• Chaconne –

• Allegro Moderato –

• Legato –

• Stacc. –

• Tutti –

• Pesante –

• a2 –

• Maestoso –

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More vocabulary

slow down to the end

an interlude between to movements

lively or brisk manner

con sordino, with mute

same tempo

a procession suited for a parade or martial affair

with length

more motion

less motion

• rit. al fine –

• Intermezzo –

• Vivace –

• con sord. –

• L’istesso tempo –

• March –

• con largezza –

• Piu mosso –

• Meno mosso –

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Related Information

• Most played composition, timeless

• Second Suite in F

• Hammersmith

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Resources Cited• Fennell, F. (1954). Time and the Winds. Kenosha: G. Leblanc Corporation.• Goldman, R. F. (1961). The Wind Band: Its Literature and Technique. Boston: Allyn and

Bacon, Inc.• Holst, G. (1948). First Suite in E Flat for Military Band [Score]. London: Boosey & Hawkes.• Miles, R. (1997). Teaching Music through Performance in Band, Vol. 1. Chicago : GIA

Publications, Inc.• Taylor, K. (2007). A Biography of Gustav Holst. Retrieved March 28, 2007, from The

Gustav Holst Website Website: http://www.gustavholst.info/• Udell, B. (1982). Standard Works for Band: Gustav Holst's First Suite in E Flat Major for

Military Band. Music Educators Journal, 69(4), 27-30+58-60. • Mathers, A. (2005). Variations and Performance Practice and Editions in Holst’s First Suite

in E Flat. Journal of Australian Band and Orchestra Director's Association, 1-13.