As an advocate of British , Godfrey often featured Holst’s works and frequently got him to listen to and indeed conduct the orchestra. The two also collaborated on works. Given that special relationship it seemed more than appropriate The Planets should be the centrepiece of the sell out launch of the new season at Lighthouse .
And indeed that it should be so rapturously received by a very exuberant audience. Under the baton of great BSO friend, the imposing and charismatic Karl-Heinz Steffens (principal conductor of the Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra) the programme began in reflective, gentle and precise fashion with Vaughan Williams’ In the Fen Country. With his Third Symphony, Beethoven was at his most innovative and Eroica, one of his celebrated works.
straddles the Romantic and Classical eras. Maestro and players were joined by internationally renowned pianist Paul Lewis, peerless in his Beethoven repertoire, whose stunning performance left the audience marvelling at his genius and appreciative they seen such a huge talent. There was a warm embrace between conductor and soloist.
Cheltenham born Holst was fascinated by many things including space. His mesmerising and hugely influential seven movement Planets Suite was written during the First World War between 1914-16, with each piece conveying the personality of the planet. He described it as a series of mood pictures, each acting as foils to one another.
Mars the Bringer of War nearly took off the Lighthouse roof as .
