1. Charles Dutoit, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, 1986
2. Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra, 1979
3. Mark Elder, The Hallé Orchestra, 2001
4. Sir Malcolm Sargent, BBC Symphony Orchestra, 1958
5. Gustav Holst, London Symphony Orchestra, 1926
6. Roy Goodman, New Queens Hall Orchestra, 1996
7. Andrew Litton, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 1997
8. Sir Colin Davis, Berliner Philharmoniker, 1988
9. Sir Charles Groves, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 1987
10. Sir Adrian Boult, Philharmonic Promenade Orchestra, 1954
11. Zubin Mehta, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, 1971
12. Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, 1971
13. William Boughton, Philharmonia Orchestra, 1988
14. James Levine, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 1990
15. Leopold Stokowski, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, 1956
16. James Judd, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 1991
17. Vernon Handley, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 1993
18. Andrew Davis, The Toronto Symphony, 1986
19. Richard Hickox, London Symphony Orchestra, 1987
20. Sir Neville Marriner, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, 1978
21. Hymisher Greenburg, The European Philharmonic Orchestra, 1993
22. Alberto Lizzio, The Festival Orchestra, 1997
23. Mayfair Philharmonic Orchestra, 2014
24. Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 2009
25. Leonard Slatkin, Philharmonia Orchestra, 1996
26. Geoffrey Simon, London Symphony Orchestra, 1986
27. Yoel Levi, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 1998
28. Sir Adrian Boult, BBC Symphony Orchestra, 1945
29. Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra, 1975
30. George Hurst, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, 1974
31. Leopold Stokowski, NBC Symphony Orchestra, 1943
32. Sir Adrian Boult, New Philharmonia Orchestra, 1967
33. Sir Alexander Gibson, Scottish National Orchestra, 1979
34. Sir Adrian Boult, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 1978
35. André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra, 1974
36. Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic, 2010
37. Mark Elder, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, 1998
38. Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, 1989
39. Herbert von Karajan, Wiener Philharmoniker, 1961
40. Sir Simon Rattle, Philharmonia Orchestra, 1981
41. Hilary Davan Wetton, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 1989
42. Sir Malcolm Sargent, BBC Symphony Orchestra, 1965
43. Ross Pople, London Festival Orchestra, 1991
44. James Loughran, Hallé Orchestra, 1975
45. Paavo Järvi, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, 2009
46. Walter Susskind, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, 1975
47. André Previn, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 1986
48. William Steinberg, Boston Symphony Orchestra, 1970
49. Sir Georg Solti, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 1978
50. Adrian Leaper, Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria, 1995
51. Peter Oundjian, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, 2011
52. Bernard Haitink, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 1970
53. Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker, 2006
54. Rico Saccani, Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, 2003
55. Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Philharmonia Orchestra, 1994
56. Adrian Leaper, CSR Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava), 1988
57. Sir Malcolm Sargent, London Symphony Orchestra, 1954
58. Owain Arwel Hughes, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 2005
59. David Lloyd-Jones, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, 2001
60. Eduardo Mata, Dallas Symphony, 1987
61. Djong Victorin Yu, Philharmonia Orchestra, 1998
62. Zubin Mehta, New York Philharmonic, 1990
63. Yan Pascal Tortelier, BBC Philharmonic, 1996
64. José Serebrier, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, 1977
65. David Robertson, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, 2014
66. Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker, 1981
67. John Williams, Boston Pops Orchestra, 1986
68. Robert Ashley, London Festival Orchestra, 1996
69. Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, 1993
70. Wolfgang Heinzel, Philharmonie Merck, 2005
71. Roman Brogli-Sacher, Philharmonisches Orchester der Hansestadt Lübeck, 2009
72. Dennis Russell Davies, Bruckner Orchester Linz, 2001
73. Yevgeny Svetlanov, The Philharmonia, 1992
74. Sir Adrian Boult, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, 1960
75. Roger Norrington, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, 2001
76. Lorin Maazel, Orchestre National de France, 1981
77. Jansug Kakhidze, Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra, 2003
78. Jahni Mardjani, Georgian Festival Orchestra, 1994
79. Thomas Kalb, Philharmonisches Orchester Heidelberg, 1999
80. Gustav Holst, London Symphony Orchestra, 1922, 1923, 1924
![51k152Dvo3L[1]](https://petersplanets.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/51k152dvo3l1.jpg?w=75&h=75)
81. Gennadi Rozhdestvensky, BBC Symphony Orchestra, 1980
82. Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra, 2003
83. Bernard Herrmann, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 1970
There are other Planets CDs I know of that haven’t found their way on the list (yet):
 |
Kazuyoshi Akiyama, The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, 1980 |
 |
Kazuyoshi Akiyama, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, 1980 |
 |
Sir Adrian Boult, BBC Symphony Orchestra, 1973 Update: That July 2013 issue of BBC Music Magazine is available on eBay. It’s “in good clean condition”, which is nice to know. It’s also “without the CD”. Grrr. (*I say “semi” because on the one hand I’m glad that Jerry is finding more Planets recordings for me to listen to, but on the other hand Jerry is finding more Planets recordings for me to listen to.) |
 |
Paul Freeman, Czech National Symphony Orchestra, 2002 |
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Edward Gardner, National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, 2017 |
 |
Yutaka Sado, NHK Symphony Orchestra, 2005 |
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Evgeny Svetlanov, Sveriges Radios Symfoniorckester, 1994 |
Peter's Planets 
Hi Peter.
I was in a discussion with my dad about his experience of The Planets and he told me his favourite had always been Andre Previn’s first recording. I wondered what he saw in it since my experience of it (from Spotify) was that it wasn’t that exciting. For some reason Spotify only has a couple of tracks from Previn/LSO but the whole album of the (inferior) Previn/RPO.
He then played me his vinyl copy of the Hi-Q Supercuts vinyl release of Previn/LSO. I was blown away.
It’s a hell of a recording. It’s one to be listened to loud and for the first time ever, I might prefer the analogue version to the CD copy. Not that there’s too much difference, mind you, the vinyl one seems to have a bit more punch down low, or maybe the CD’s treble is boosted a little. I’m not bothered either way.
If you gave it another go with fresh ears, I reckon your opinion might change a bit. Mars is brutal, an absolute ripper of a start but doesn’t lose its head and a good speed. I feel like anywhere from 7.00 to 7.40 is a good time for Mars. Venus is really nice and delicate and Mercury flits about nicely without getting too jumpy. It’s played quite smoothly. The violin sound is lovely. Jupiter has one of the best Big Tunes I’ve ever heard. Saturn is almost 10 minutes but I still enjoy it. Uranus is almost 2 and a half minutes quicker than my favourite, Groves/RPO. It’s certainly different but really fun. Neptune is on the shorter end of Neptunes I’ve heard and liked.
I’d put it up close to reference sound quality, too. The balance is just right. It’s never gonna be as analytical and crisp as something as a brand new digital recording but it’s as good as I can expect out of a magnetic tape recording. It sound better to me than the other 1970s recordings like Mehta/LAPO, which is great but in a different way. Something about Previn and the LSO is absolutely bang on the money for me.
So, if you have time, I’d invite you to give Andre and his merry men another try. I do hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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Peter,
I may have found another version of the Planets for you to have a look at, by Frank Shipway and the RPO. There’s very little information about it, it seems to have been part of the Denon Classics 24/7 compilation which is available for ludicrous prices on eBay. I think it’s part of disc 1? The much easier alternative is that it’s here on Spotify:
I hope the link works. It sounded perfectly alright, not too fast or slow. Annoyingly it’s all on there as a single track, but it’s manageable.
I’m interested to see what you think.
Chris
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Howdy, Chris
I can’t find a CD of it anywhere on the Internets. Spotify seems to be the only music service that has it. AllMusic lists it in their database, so I guess it was released on CD at some time (2009 according to both AllMusic and Spotify), but because it doesn’t currently appear to exist in CD form I’m going have to leave it off of the list. And that last sentence was way too long.
However, if I did write a “proper” review for it, it would look something like this:
***
Holst: The Planets (Frank Shipway, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 2009)
https://open.spotify.com/album/5BA1Ld2Pb1LrIBMXz7cqts
This is weird, because it’s the only recording of The Planets where it’s one track. For listening purposes, that’s mighty inconvenient.
I’m listening to “Mars”, and it’s fine. A little underpowered, maybe, compared to some other “Mars”es, but fine nonetheless. There’s a dud note from a trumpet at 1:11, but it’s no big deal. Actually, I might retract my “a little underpowered” comment, because this “Mars” is barrelling along quite nicely. It’s turning out to be a fine “Mars”. I’m liking it. As I keep listening to it, I’m thinking that this recording of The Planets could be top 20 material. But I might be getting ahead of myself – I haven’t finished listening to “Mars” yet. (Patience, Peter.) Anyway, “Mars” is almost finished. Now I’m at the orchestral death throes, and they’re splendid.
OK. “Mars” has finished. It was good.
“Venus” begins in a lovely way. Everything’s nice and assertive and clear, just the way I like “Venus” to be. (I’m not a fan of the “reticent” approach that some conductors try.) There’s a fleeting moment involving a wee bit of dodgy intonation (8:03), but it’s nothing to scare the horses. (Note to Self: You don’t have any horses, Peter, so try a different phrase.) It’s nothing to be alarmed about. This is an enjoyable “Venus”. I must admit that I’m enjoying Frank’s interpretation of these Planets (and thanks to the Royal Philharmonic for realising Frank’s interpretation). It’s not timid at all. I’m thoroughly enjoying the confidence in every aspect of this recording. Unfortunately, the solo violin (from 9:12-9:23) is not that great in the intonation department, but I can cut it some slack because I’m enjoying this “Venus” overall. I can also forgive the massed violins being not quite together and in tune when they play their highlighted bit from 9:38-9:55. I must admit that was a bit painful. But I’m still enjoying this “Venus”.
Update: It finished. I enjoyed it.
Now to “Mercury”…
I think it’s good. Not great, but good. It’s not terribly fleet, or light on its feet (that rhyme was completely unintentional), but it’s a fine, middle-of-the-road interpretation.
“Jupiter” starts off confidently (a good thing), but the first jaunty tune (20:24-20:45) is a little rushed (not a good thing). But the rest of “Jupiter” goes along swimmingly (except for the tambourine from 21:23-21:33, which is all over the place). The Big Tune (22:26-24:21) is dandy, but beware: it’s not played in a sombre or reverent way, the way conductors usually approach it. (The dudes with the sticks tend to direct orchestras to play it very definitely nobilmente). This one is just a little bit prosaic. But I can live with that. Hmmm… is that an edit at 24:52? It sure sounds like one. Anyway, this “Jupiter” is just fine.
I must say that, even though “Saturn” has just started, this might be the best performance of the suite. I guess I should reserve my judgement until it’s finished, but this is mighty good. Everything about it is just right.
“Uranus” is not all that special. It’s good(-ish), but not great.
“Neptune” is nice. It’s actually symptomatic of the whole recording, in that there’s nothing wrong with the performance, but there’s also nothing to lift it out of the “merely good” to something fabulous. Unfortunately, the women’s choir that ends “Neptune” is alarmingly non-ethereal.
Overall, I’d say this recording is worth buying*, even if it’s just for “Saturn”. Hoo-wee that’s a good “Saturn”. But as for the rest of it, it’s slightly above “OK”.
(*If you can find it, that is. It was apparently released on CD in 2009, but it’s alarmingly elusive. It’s currently not available anywhere, which just makes me want to buy it that much more.)
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Uh oh… a Peter stalker….
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I’d just like to post a thank you for this site. My acquaintance with The Planets began and ended in the 60s with a copy of the Stokowski version, which was my first classical lp. I used to listen to it on an old Garrard SP25 deck, a Rogers Ravensbrook amp and Imhoffs speakers, which was, for its time, a reasonable starter hi-fi system. Unfortunately while it gave a good rendering of the louder, jauntier and more menacing parts, the softer, more subtle and arguably more interesting parts just sounded dull. Eventually I got bored with the record, put it into a cupboard and moved on to other types of music.
I came across this site quite by accident and was astonished at the number of versions that now exist. More out of curiosity than anything, I sourced Osawa version and was utterly blown away. Pehaps my now long-lost Stokowski version would sound good on my current set-up; but it certainly wouldn’t get near Osawa. The sections that I used to skip are as wonderful in their own way as my old favourites, although I suspect that, in the case of Saturn, it is my own advancing years that make it more relevant and affecting.
Anyway, I’m not a musician and I can’t comment on the playing or technical aspects of the recording. All I want to do is thank you for re-introducing me a piece that I loved as a boy and would probably never have re-discovered otherwise. The downside is that I’m now going to have to start tracking down the other versions to compare them.
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Howdy, Ken.
It’s mighty heartening to hear that your love for The Planets has been rekindled.
And I’m happy to help you if you want to explore more. (I’m a fan of Planets expeditions.)
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Thanks, Peter; but I’m going to need to work on my lovely lady, before I start procuring many more versions. She heard me listening to the Ozawa version yesterday (pretty loudly) and recounted her own experience of The Planets.
Apparently, at her senior school, she had a music lesson that lasted the whole of Friday afternoon. Rather than attempt to teach anything, the teacher used the time to give the classroom an end-of-week clear-up and to start getting her personal things together for the weekend. In order to keep the students occupied (you guessed it) she would simply play them The Planets …. no discussion of who wrote them, what they were about or who was performing – simply a time-filling exercise. So all The Planets represent to my better half is a memory of seemingly endless periods of boredom. I’m sure I’ll be able to win her round, but slowly is the watchword.
Keep up the good work.
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What a ghastly way to listen to The Planets. Hopefully, your partner will eventually see the beauty in the music.
As for keeping up the good work: Can do, baby.
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Ken Palmer your account is almost identical to my experience, I too bought the Stokowski on Music For Pleasure (wonderful price for a teenager in Australia). Hearing this again on TIDAL recently I am very impressed as to how well it stands up.
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How lovely is that!
I, aged 60, also only had a cursory knowledge of this piece but finding Peter’s lists have dipped my toes into the choices and agree worh you wholeheartedly re Osawa.
My only cd previous was the Karajan 2010 (?).
The Osawa is miles ahead.
Glad you wrote your experience in. Cheers.
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Thanks, Mikaal.
I’m glad you’ve listened to something other than Herbie’s not-terribly-great* Planets.
(*For me.)
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A-OK, baby.
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What an ambitious project !
I remember the Boult LP from the 70’s with the ridiculous Star Wars like photo. The Planets was a favorite for parties and the dope smoking crowd.
I have several recordings of this work. Your top three in fact. I also have the latest remastered Boult with LPO 1978. I would not be able to rank them. If I could only have one I would throw them all in a hat and pick one.
I also have a Previn and a Mehta. Great sound but not preferred to the others. I have listened to the Jurowski recording a number of times and am considering a purchase used for $6.00 US. It’s a different take but I like it.
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Howdy, William.
“What an ambitious project !”
Well, it started off as a response to a question in a classical music forum (the question being “Anyway, here’s a fun idea, if you could indulge us, what are your top 5 favorite performances of The Planets…“), and it got out of hand. Sorry about that.
“I remember the Boult LP from the 70’s with the ridiculous Star Wars like photo. The Planets was a favorite for parties and the dope smoking crowd.”
Excellent.
“I have several recordings of this work. Your top three in fact. I also have the latest remastered Boult with LPO 1978. I would not be able to rank them. If I could only have one I would throw them all in a hat and pick one.”
My heart belongs to Dutoit.
“I also have a Previn and a Mehta. Great sound but not preferred to the others. I have listened to the Jurowski recording a number of times and am considering a purchase used for $6.00 US. It’s a different take but I like it.”
$6 is well worth it for the Jurowski. I think it’s probably the best of the Planets CDs recorded this century.
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Edward Gardner, National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, 2017.
I’m not going full price either. But it is my favorite video of the work. I may purchase the CD one day when the price comes down. They don’t play like professionals but are still enjoyable. A very enthusiastic performance.
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“Edward Gardner, National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, 2017.
I’m not going full price either. But it is my favorite video of the work. …”
You mean this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be7uEyyNIT4
“… I may purchase the CD one day when the price comes down. …”
Me too. I could pay for the lossless files, which are cheaper, but then I wouldn’t have the CD in front of me.
“… They don’t play like professionals but are still enjoyable. A very enthusiastic performance.”
It’s not a barn-burner of a performance, but it is fabulous seeing so many fresh-faced young-uns playing that music. It makes a nice change from seeing young adults with their faces buried in mobile phone screens.
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Hi Peter,
So I just found a sealed original copy of the Charles Dutoit #1 pick of yours and was wondering what the “Digital Recording” on the left top corner meant. It seems that the CD and vinyl version of this recording were released in the same year and I wanted to know if one version sounded better than the other.
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“Digital Recording” just means that the recording equipment in the studio was digital. In other words, no tape.
As for which one sounds better, my vote is for the CD. This article explains why: http://www.laweekly.com/music/why-cds-may-actually-sound-better-than-vinyl-5352162.
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the Gardner recording is on IsraBox : https://www.israbox.cc/index.php?newsid=3137620392
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Excellent. Thanks, WB.
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i can provide the versions of Gardner, Sado und Freeman. if you’re interested let me know …
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I am definitely interested.
Prepare to receive an enthusiastic email from a man called Peter.
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I sent an email to your address, but it bounced (“This user doesn’t have a yahoo.com account”).
Feel free to email me: pmrscott@tpg.com.au.
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yepp Peter, give me two days to upload the recording to a host. will send you the link.
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Excellent. Thanks, you wonderful thing you.
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Decided to purchase the Berliner Philharmoniker with Sir Colin Davis. I am just enjoying this version greatly. As I sit here listening, I wish Mercury journey was a bit longer, it is so well done. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
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You’re entirely welcome, David.
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Dear Peter,
thank you very much for compiling this list! Originally I am a metalhead but I partly grew up on classical music. My grandmother and her sister gave me all kinds of classical records and singles. For example as a young child I was very fond of Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev. And later the original soundtrack of Conan the Barbarian by Basil Poledouris was my favorite. Holst and the Planets I discovered much, much later. Of course I like “Mars” the best but now I am trying to get into the other ones as well. I would like to ask you what your favorite renditions of the other parts are. “Mars” I have already figured out for myself. I like the rendition of Yoel Levi (fast, powerful and menacing) best. Although since I have seen your site the Charles Dutoit version is a very strong second. Anyway, thank you in advance and keep up the good work!
Kind regards,
Arno
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Howdy, Arno. As for my favourite versions of Planets movements other than “Mars”, I’m going to have to be predictable and say Dutoit. His interpretations of each movement are pretty much my ideal.
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Thank you!
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No changes in the list since years. Very implausible
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I agree.
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My favorite recording is not on the list. The Houston Symphony under Hans Graf. Great 24 bit Sound and stunning playing.
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Howdy, Hanswurst
I’m afraid the Houston Symphony / Hans Graf Planets recording doesn’t go on the list because it’s a DVD/Blu-ray, not an audio CD.
https://www.amazon.com/Houston-Symphony-Director-Present-PLANETS/dp/B003HV3B14
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Planets-an-HD-Odyssey-Blu-ray/70822/
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Does that really matter? The Houston version is available as FLAC files on several download sides. No reason to include it not here.
But I guess the guy does not intend to change something on his site. Also, other versions sent to him never appeared here or got reviewed.
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G’day, Hanswurst
“Does that really matter?”
It does to me. If I didn’t keep the list to Planets to recordings that have been released on CD, then I’d have to include DVDs and downloads, as well as performances on YouTube.
“The Houston version is available as FLAC files on several download sides. No reason to include it not here.”
I want the list to be for recordings that have been released on CD. Although I also have downloads and videos, I prefer the list to be focussed on CDs. There are plenty of CDs to choose from.
“But I guess the guy does not intend to change something on his site. Also, other versions sent to him never appeared here or got reviewed.”
I’m happy to update the list, and fully intend to. In fact, I have about five CDs to add. Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten around to listening to them yet. But it will happen sometime. (I hope.)
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Ok i understand. Thanks for your reply.
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Ease up bro. The dude has his reasons.
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Thanks, WB.
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Peter, did you know about this one? “Thor Johnson / World-Wide Symphony Orchestra, Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra
HOLST: The Planets; DEBUSSY: La Mer (s) [RD 147 – 75:03]” Download is available from this site: http://rediscovery.us/paperbacks.html. At one time this was a release on CD but good luck finding it.
I listened to this one and it’s pretty bad. Sound quality is abysmal and the playing isn’t much. I’m not sure it would qualify to be in your line up.
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Yowser, William
“Peter, did you know about this one?”
Yep.
““Thor Johnson / World-Wide Symphony Orchestra, Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra
HOLST: The Planets; DEBUSSY: La Mer (s) [RD 147 – 75:03]” Download is available from this site: http://rediscovery.us/paperbacks.html. At one time this was a release on CD but good luck finding it.”
I’ve never* been able to find a CD of it anywhere.
(*Well, not since I started looking for Planets CDs.)
“I listened to this one and it’s pretty bad. Sound quality is abysmal and the playing isn’t much.”
You’re not wrong there. According to my media player, I’ve listened to it exactly one time. (My handy-dandy media player also tells me I heard it on March 1, 2017.)
It’s pretty dire.
“I’m not sure it would qualify to be in your line up.”
Because of its thorough non-availability, I’ve not included it on the list.
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Another recording :
http://red-mp3.su/album/4406060/nyo-canada.html
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Really? That is a scam site.
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Quite possibly.
Being the hungry-for-more-Planets-recordings kind of guy that I am, I clicked on the “Download Full Album” link. A few spammy things happened, but my browser took care of them. I then quietly backed away from that link.
However, I did click on the play button for “Mars”, and to my mild surprise “Mars” did indeed start to play. This “Mars” isn’t too bad. Unfortunately, it’s not threatening in any way.
I had a look around the Internet and found out there actually is an NYO Canada recording of The Planets. It’s available on a CD at the NYO Canada website:
http://www.nyoc.org/store?product=729&category=701
Who knew?
It’s a 2-CD set (with Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances and two pieces by Canadian composers), and I fully intend to buy it sometime – as I soon as I have a spare $25.
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Update: I just bought the NYO Canada CD.
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“Another recording:
http://red-mp3.su/album/4406060/nyo-canada.html“
Thanks, but that link isn’t entirely legit.
This one is:
http://www.nyoc.org/store?product=729&category=701
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Sorry for trouble with spams or popups. Downloading single tracks usually works fine. The album is also aviable for download at Amazon and iTunes
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“Sorry for trouble with spams or popups.”
No problem.
“Downloading single tracks usually works fine.”
Excellent. I’ll give that a go.
“The album is also available for download at Amazon and iTunes.”
Splendid. Thanks.
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ready for download: https://classicalpippo9.com/2018/07/26/dg-concerts-gardner-conducts-elgar-mozart-holst/
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Thanks.
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New recording announced by Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra.
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And another one:
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Mike Batt (scheduled for 7th September 2018)
They just keep on comin’.
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Just heard “Jupiter” on David Mellor’s Classic FM show. Sounded good. Recorded at Watford Town Hall so acoustics are great. I’m not sure if the organ in the hall was working when it was recorded in 1993; in more recent recordings, the restored organ is impressive. I’d certainly like to hear this version of the Planets in full, and to read your review of it too.
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“Just heard “Jupiter” on David Mellor’s Classic FM show. Sounded good. Recorded at Watford Town Hall so acoustics are great. I’m not sure if the organ in the hall was working when it was recorded in 1993; in more recent recordings, the restored organ is impressive. I’d certainly like to hear this version of the Planets in full, and to read your review of it too.”
I’m exceptionally keen on hearing a new Planets recording, but what I’m most interested in is why a recording made in 1993 is being released in 2018. Considering 25 years passed, it’s a head-scratcher that it’s being released at all. Why wasn’t it released in 1993? Was it lack of money (for CD pressing, marketing etc.) that prevented it from being released?
What’s puzzling is that it appears that the first four Planets movements from that recording were released in 1994 on a CD that came with a magazine called The Magical Music Box. Discogs has the details here.
Curiouser and curiouser…
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David Mellor didn’t shed any light on why it wasn’t released, but did say the producer of the recording, Bob Matthew-Walker, is a friend of his and mentioned that it had now been released. “What do you think of Mike Batt?” he asked. Mike Batt, best known for creating The Wombles as a pop act.
This page suggests it’s “not to any artistic failings but to behind the scenes business shenanigans at the time of recording”:
http://www.classicalsource.com/db_control/db_cd_review.php?id=15744
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“David Mellor didn’t shed any light on why it wasn’t released, but did say the producer of the recording, Bob Matthew-Walker, is a friend of his and mentioned that it had now been released. “What do you think of Mike Batt?” he asked. Mike Batt, best known for creating The Wombles as a pop act.
This page suggests it’s “not to any artistic failings but to behind the scenes business shenanigans at the time of recording”:
http://www.classicalsource.com/db_control/db_cd_review.php?id=15744 “
I’m guessing it was a money thing.
At least it’s been released now. Hopefully, it was worth releasing.
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Hi Peter,
I’ve bought a few extra ‘Planets’ based on your reviews and liked them all, bar one. I just got the Boughton/Philharmonia disc (very cheap) that you placed 13th on your list. My immediate reaction was “This is awful”. I’m surprised it is the Philharmonia as the whole thing sounds like a provincial orchestra conducted by an amateur and recorded in scrappy sound. But, hey, what do I know? Nothing actually. That was just my honest reaction.
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“I’ve bought a few extra ‘Planets’ based on your reviews…”
Excellent.
“… and liked them all, …”
Even more excellent.
“… bar one.”
Ah well.
“I just got the Boughton/Philharmonia disc (very cheap) that you placed 13th on your list. My immediate reaction was “This is awful”. I’m surprised it is the Philharmonia as the whole thing sounds like a provincial orchestra conducted by an amateur and recorded in scrappy sound. But, hey, what do I know?”
You know what you know, and you like what you like. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Nothing actually.”
I disagree in the strongest possible terms. Strongest!
“That was just my honest reaction.”
And that’s entirely fair.
I might have to listen to the Boughton again, and see why I put it at number 13. (Ah, the mysteries of The Mind Of Peter.)
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Thanks Pete.
Not to put off, I just ordered your No.9 – RPO/Groves.
Fingers crossed :)
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“Thanks Pete.
Not to put off, I just ordered your No.9 – RPO/Groves.
Fingers crossed :)”
I reckon you’ll like it.
As for putting off buying any Planets recording, my advice is don’t. Don’t put it off at all. It won’t do you any good at all. (Why deny yourself a chance to hear yet another recording of The Planets?)
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The RPO/Groves recording is WAAAAY better than Boughton. The latter may very well end up in one of the Brotherhood Bins, and I’m not really inclined to ditch CDs once they have been acquired.
I listened to the Goodman recording on my walk today. Loved it.
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“The RPO/Groves recording is WAAAAY better than Boughton. The latter may very well end up in one of the Brotherhood Bins, and I’m not really inclined to ditch CDs once they have been acquired.”
I’m glad you prefer the Groves. Here’s to personal taste!
“I listened to the Goodman recording on my walk today. Loved it.”
Excellent. I must admit that it took me quite a few listens to get past the mistakes and fully absorb the intent of the interpretation.
And I was about to say, “Ooh! Boughton! Gimme!” and then had a look on my Planets CDs shelf. I already have it. Ah well.
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Hi,
First, a big T H A N K Y O U, Peter for Peter’s Planets!
Here is an addition to your list? I tried to find it via my browser in your list and couldn’t I hope I didn’t miss it… also, I couldn’t find an email address for you? I didn’t want post in error…
One of my Top 10 is a very oldie but I believe a goodie… sorry Canadian/American saying…not sure if it works on your side side of the pond..
It is a recording from … 1926.. naturally the recording quality is let’s say “period based”.
But the rendition is fast and imho “likeable”.
Also, because your no. 1 is Dutoit, I wasn’t sure if you had seen the “Isabelle and Paul Duchesnay performance art version using that version”. It was interesting to me.
http://skateguard1.blogspot.com/2013/09/isabelle-and-paul-duchesnays-planets.html
I need to read your reviews, I just found the site, I personally like Vernon Haldley’s version and rank it in my top ten ;-)
Many thanks!!!
Frank
frankk74@gmail.com , if you don’t mind dropping me an email for some further discussions?
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Konnichiwa, Frank
“Hi,
First, a big T H A N K Y O U, Peter for Peter’s Planets!”
You’re entirely welcome, young pup.
“Here is an addition to your list? I tried to find it via my browser in your list and couldn’t I hope I didn’t miss it… also, I couldn’t find an email address for you? I didn’t want post in error…
One of my Top 10 is a very oldie but I believe a goodie … sorry Canadian/American saying … not sure if it works on your side of the pond…
It is a recording from … 1926 … naturally the recording quality is let’s say “period based”.”
That recording is number 5 on my list.
“An oldie but a goodie” is also an Australian expression.
“But the rendition is fast and imho “likeable”.”
You’re not wrong there.
“Also, because your no. 1 is Dutoit, I wasn’t sure if you had seen the “Isabelle and Paul Duchesnay performance art version using that version”. It was interesting to me.
http://skateguard1.blogspot.com/2013/09/isabelle-and-paul-duchesnays-planets.html“
I didn’t know about that.
It’s interesting.
As far as recordings go, I think they chose well.
“I need to read your reviews, …”
Go for it, baby.
“…I just found the site, I personally like Vernon Handley’s version and rank it in my top ten ;-)”
Excellent.
“Many thanks!!!”
A-OK, my good man.
“Frank
frankk74@gmail.com, if you don’t mind dropping me an email for some further discussions?”
You will be pestered shortly.
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I know that listening to all the ‘alternative’ arrangements of The Planets would take your task from herculean to impossible, but when I heard about the site, I couldn’t help being reminded of Isao Tomita’s Planets from the mid seventies. It’s very “imaginative” (there’s about three minutes of introductory something before Mars proper even starts) and tries very much to be the trippiest Planets possible given a room of multitrack recorders and analog synths that was state of the art at the time.
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Howdy, Jason.
“I know that listening to all the ‘alternative’ arrangements of The Planets would take your task from herculean to impossible, but when I heard about the site, I couldn’t help being reminded of Isao Tomita’s Planets from the mid seventies. It’s very “imaginative” (there’s about three minutes of introductory something before Mars proper even starts) and tries very much to be the trippiest Planets possible given a room of multitrack recorders and analog synths that was state of the art at the time.”
Actually, I’ll break my orchestral-Planets-only rule, and have a listen to the Tomita Planets.
I’ll report back here soonish. (Well, as soon as I listen to it and then write about what I heard.)
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(My third attempt to post here)
Saw this today on MusicWeb International:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2018/Oct/Holst_planets_GMCD7814.htm
“Now, to mark the centenary of the first performance of The Planets on 29 September 1918, here comes the complete recording.”
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Third? That’s weird.
(Note to WordPress: What are you playing at, WordPress? Why didn’t you let brunumb post a comment the first time?)
That’s because Mike Batt’s Planets was/were recorded in 1993, but only four of the movements were released (in 1994):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpbxdcTRhys
(Details at Discogs)
The new release is the full thing. It’s been released by Guild Recordings (here).
And hopefully, WordPress will let you post a comment when you want to next time.
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I think my VPN somehow prevented me from posting.
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“I think my VPN somehow prevented me from posting.”
Yeah, that can happen.
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Very interesting blog. I have other recordings not on your list which you could add to: Naxos, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, David Lloyd Jones 2001, Naxos CSR Bratislava Symphony Orchestra Adrian Leaper 1989, DG Karajan Berlin phil 1981 release of an earlier recording, Helios Halle mark Elder 2001, Master Doyen Black Dyke mills band James no year stated
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Howdy, Andrew
Thanks.
I’ve reviewed the recordings you mentioned.
Here they are:
Royal Scottish National Orchestra / David Lloyd-Jones
CSR Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava) / Adrian Leaper
Berliner Philharmoniker / Herbert von Karajan
Hallé Orchestra / Mark Elder
The covers for the CDs may be different for you, but they’re the same recordings. Classical music labels are fabulous at re-releasing recordings in new packaging almost constantly. For example, I have four CDs of the Dutoit Planets. The original was released in 1987, then re-released in 1998, then 2004, and then 2008. It’s a magnificent bit of recycling.
I haven’t reviewed the Black Dyke Mills Band recording because it’s a brass band arrangement, not the full orchestral suite. As for the year of recording, Amazon.com says the CD is from 1996.
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Hello Peter, I love this site. I did leave a comment about a year ago but can’t find it. Thanks to you I now have about 30 Planets, thanks to eBay. Who the hell needs 30 Planets? But it is a wonderful piece of music. My favourites are Previn/LSO on LP, Sargent/BBC 1958 LP, and Dutoit/Montreal on CD, but I haven’t really heard a bad recording. Thank you for your efforts. Do you have a life? Geoff.
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Aloha, Geoff
“Hello Peter, I love this site.”
Thanks, Magnificent G.
“I did leave a comment about a year ago but can’t find it.”
You left a few comments last year:
2017/02/23 at 8:41 pm (The List) – My reply
2017/02/23 at 2:10 am (The List) – My reply
2017/02/23 at 1:33 am (10. Sir Adrian Boult) – My reply
2017/02/22 at 9:26 am (7. Andrew Litton again)
2017/02/22 at 6:24 am (10. Sir Adrian Boult)
2017/02/22 at 1:45 am (7. Andrew Litton) – My reply
2017/02/20 at 10:01 pm (56. Adrian Leaper) – My reply
2017/02/20 at 4:34 am) (68. Robert Ashley again)
2017/02/20 at 4:33 am (68. Robert Ashley) – My reply
2017/02/20 at 1:46 am (78. Jahni Mardjani) – My reply
2017/02/19 at 3:35 am (76. Lorin Maazel)– My reply
2017/02/19 at 3:04 am (59. David Lloyd-Jones) – My reply
2017/02/15 at 5:00 am (The List) – My reply
“Thanks to you I now have about 30 Planets, thanks to eBay.”
30 is simultaneously too much and barely enough.
Most of my Planets CDs have come from eBay too. Thank you, eBay.
“Who the hell needs 30 Planets?”
You do. (Actually, you need more.)
“But it is a wonderful piece of music.”
I agree.
“My favourites are Previn/LSO on LP, Sargent/BBC 1958 LP, and Dutoit/Montreal on CD, but I haven’t really heard a bad recording. Thank you for your efforts.”
No problem. Glad to help.
“Do you have a life? Geoff.”
Hehe.
I do indeed. In the three years since I first created Peter’s Planets, I have listened to (gasp!) other music.
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I was wondering my sanity at 15 recordings!
Hard to pick a fav. If the excess police ever make me decide on only one, it would most likely be the Goodman recording. Purest sound I believe.
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Another obscure recording of The Planets which may be worth evaluation: two student orchestras (World-Wide Symphony Orchestra and the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra) conducted by Thor M. Johnson, former music director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. It’s not going to be at the top of your list, especially as the stereo sound is a bit dim and compressed, but it’s available as a free MP3 download in David Gideon’s ReDiscovery “Paperback Classics” series (www.rediscovery.us).
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Yowser, RB.
I have heard the Thor M. Johnson version. I mentioned it in an earlier comment. (The recording is available here: http://rediscovery.us/paperbacks.html.)
I won’t be putting it on the list because it’s not available on CD.
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I am quite fond of your blog. FYI, the Handley/Royal Philharmonic recording is available as part of a very inexpensive Bach Guild MP3 “Big English Music Box”. It can be downloaded for 99 cents from Classic Select or from Amazon. It’s a superb reading which I would have been unaware of without your blog. Of the recordings I’m familiar with, I tend to like the Steinberg/Boston Symphony, Bernstein/New York Philharmonic, Dutoit/Montreal, Stokowski/Los Angeles and Ormandy/Philadelphia versions. Each brings out different qualities in the music. Although I’ve never quite figured out why the Dutoit/Montreal recording sounds so bright – to my ears, anyway – it’s certainly the baseline “go-to” reading of this piece…. but I find musical merit from all of the ones I’ve listed, particularly the surprising Handley version.
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“I am quite fond of your blog. FYI, the Handley/Royal Philharmonic recording is available as part of a very inexpensive Bach Guild MP3 “Big English Music Box”. It can be downloaded for 99 cents from Classic Select or from Amazon. It’s a superb reading which I would have been unaware of without your blog. Of the recordings I’m familiar with, I tend to like the Steinberg/Boston Symphony, Bernstein/New York Philharmonic, Dutoit/Montreal, Stokowski/Los Angeles and Ormandy/Philadelphia versions. Each brings out different qualities in the music. Although I’ve never quite figured out why the Dutoit/Montreal recording sounds so bright – to my ears, anyway – it’s certainly the baseline “go-to” reading of this piece…. but I find musical merit from all of the ones I’ve listed, particularly the surprising Handley version.”
Howdy, RB.
Thanks for that.
Here’s the Big English Music Box on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Big-English-Music-Various-artists/dp/B01F01S9HY.
And here it is at ClassicSelect: https://www.classicselect.com/products/big-english-music-box-6-hour-digital-boxed-set
The Planets versions you like are all mighty fine – except, for me, the Steinberg. I still can’t warm to it.
But each to their own.
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I would love to see Peter write about his experiences with non-Planets Holst. Holst was quite prolific. Once you get over the fact that he wrote nothing else like The Planets, there is much beautiful music to discover. The best place to start is the Lyrita catalog (e.g. Boult conducts Host, Imogen Holst conducts Gustav Holst).
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Yowser, Daverz
I have a fair bit of non-Planets Holst:
Holst: The Collector’s Edition
The Essential Holst
Choral Ballets (Davan Wetton)
Choral Symphony, Choral Fantasia (Boult, Imogen Holst)
My favourite Holst work that isn’t The Planets is the St. Paul’s Suite:
Then it’s probably the choral works.
Overall, I think Holst is a mighty fine composer. And the Lyrita recordings are splendid.
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Saint Pauls Suite 😞cant believe. Just a simple string Arrangement. There is so much better music by Holst; like Edgon Heath, Beni Mora, Japanese Suite, the lovely Somerset Rhapsody or the Perfect Fool. Give it a try 😊
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Howdy, Big H
“Saint Pauls Suite 😞cant believe. Just a simple string Arrangement.”
It sure is.
I’m a sucker for English string suites – things like Hubert Parry’s Lady Radnor’s Suite:
Or Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Concerto Grosso:
I can’t get enough of ’em.
“There is so much better music by Holst; …”
I agree. But I’m talking about what I like listening to.
“… like Edgon Heath, Beni Mora, Japanese Suite, the lovely Somerset Rhapsody or the Perfect Fool. Give it a try 😊”
I’m familiar with Holst’s other music, and like listening to most of it.
I love Beni Mora. It was the first non-Planets Holst I heard, and it was so… exotic.
As for The Perfect Fool, I’m more than acquainted with that piece, as it pops up as a coupling on quite a few of the Planets CDs I have.
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Yeah Big Jim MUST be the best. Love the disc.
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not a real version but Keith Emerson’s arrangement of Mars on the Emerson Lake and Powell album is impressive in my opinion
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Splendid.
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the famous progressive rock band King Crimson has also quoted The Planets on their second album ” in the wake of Poseidon” in 1970
the piece is called ” the Devil’s triangle”
Recently a program on french public radio with professionnal critics has voted Vladimir Jurowski’s version with the London Symphonic Orchestra as the best version among six versions (Karajan, Ozawa, Boult, Levine…) after a blindfold test of all the movements of the piece
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Hi, guillaume
“The famous progressive rock band King Crimson has also quoted The Planets on their second album In The Wake Of Poseidon in 1970 the piece is called “The Devil’s Triangle””
Mighty good.
“Recently a program on French public radio with professional critics has voted Vladimir Jurowski’s version with the London Symphonic Orchestra as the best version among six versions (Karajan, Ozawa, Boult, Levine…) after a blindfold test of all the movements of the piece.”
I think the Jurowski is probably the best version of The Planets this century. It’s definitely my favourite of those released since 2000.
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Mike Batts version is terrific. The full sound remains me in Dutoits recording.
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My favorits :
1. Dutoit
2. Batt
3. Gardner (Edward)
4. Boult (1978)
5. Groves
6. Jurowski
7. Rattle with the furios Berlin Philharmonic
8. Mackerras
9. Previn (RPO)
10. Goodman
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Excellent.
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Greetings, I am an admirer of the works of Gustav Holst, and wanted to know if the site has a copy of the album “Holst conducts The Planets …” released by the pearl in 1993, that for a long time I look for someone who could gently send me a Upload.
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Howdy, Bruno
I’m afraid I don’t have the Pearl issue of Holst Conducts The Planets. Sorry about that.
Amazon has it, though:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holst-Conducts-Gustav/dp/B000000WV5
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Actually, there is a 2010 CD incarnation of No. 30: George Hurst with the Bournemouth, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holst-Planets-Other-Unearthly-Music/dp/B003TFES4M/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1548400422&sr=8-5&keywords=%22George+Hurst%22+holst+planets
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Thanks for the link, Johan.
That price is a bit gruesome, though. (I’m used to buying Planets CDs for around AU$10.) I’ll have to see if I can find that Hurst CD elsewhere.
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Hello Peter,
Like many of your “disciples,” I think you have created a great site for space explorers. My own experience of the planets started in the 1960’s when my mother, a classically trained pianist, acquired Stokowki LPO on a MFP vinyl album. I still have and enjoy that version, if maybe for sentimental reasons. Still, it can’t be a bad one since it makes no. 15 on your list.
Fast forward 50 something years and a few months ago I broke my collar bone mountain biking (old blokes doing kids tricks!) and whilst laid up I got reacquainted with The Planets and wound up buying another dozen versions. This was before finding your site. Now I have more than doubled my tally to around 30. I should probably sue you for sending me bankrupt! To make matters worse, I saw the post from Chris about the Andre Previn High Q vinyl cut and have splashed out £22 on that.
For what it’s worth, my favourite at the moment is Ozawa. I also have Dutoit, but Ozawa just nicks it for me.
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“Hello Peter,”
Howdy, Dick
“Like many of your “disciples,” I think you have created a great site for space explorers.”
Thanks.
“My own experience of the planets started in the 1960’s when my mother, a classically trained pianist, acquired Stokowki LPO on a MFP vinyl album. I still have and enjoy that version, if maybe for sentimental reasons. Still, it can’t be a bad one since it makes no. 15 on your list.
Fast forward 50 something years and a few months ago I broke my collar bone mountain biking (old blokes doing kids tricks!)…”
Ouch.
“…and whilst laid up I got reacquainted with The Planets and wound up buying another dozen versions.”
Excellent.
“This was before finding your site.”
Even more excellent.
“Now I have more than doubled my tally to around 30.”
Beautiful.
“I should probably sue you for sending me bankrupt!”
Hehe.
“To make matters worse, I saw the post from Chris about the Andre Previn High Q vinyl cut and have splashed out £22 on that.”
Wow. I’m a skinflint when it comes to Planets recordings. The prospect of spending £22 on a Planets recording messes with my mind.
“For what it’s worth, my favourite at the moment is Ozawa. I also have Dutoit, but Ozawa just nicks it for me.”
It’s awfully close for me too. Ultimately, my heart belongs to Dutoit, but depending on the mood it can sneakily be edged out by the Ozawa.
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That’s the wonderful thing about this great work. So many fantastic (and sometimes not so fantastic) versions to listen to, one’s favourite can change with mood. Perhaps that answer lies with the man who said of the single malts when asked what was his favourite. “The next one.” What is for sure, in both case (Planets and single malt), the world would be miserable if there were only one to choose from. Er, that wouldn’t actually be a choice!
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Hi Peter,
I’ve just found this fascinating blog of yours.
I have around a dozen or so versions of The Planets, but the one I grew up with was one of the Sir Adrian Boult recordings, which my mother had on LP when I was a child.
It was on Marble Arch label, dated 1966, and the credited orchestra is the London Philharmonic.
https://www.discogs.com/Gustav-Holst-The-Planets/release/2370494
I’m assuming this the 1954 recording, but I’m not sure. Are you able to confirm?
Thanks again for your excellent blog here.
Regards.
Wayne.
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Howdy, Wayne
Having a quick look at the Discogs entry, the artists involved (London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic Choir) lead me to think it’s got to be the 1954 recording. The only other time Boulty Baby recorded The Planets with the London Philharmonic was for his 1978 recording.
That 1966 listing would have to be the 1954 recording. It can’t be any other.
And that’s about as insistent as I’ll get. (I’m usually a much more relaxed kind of guy.)
Oh, and thanks for the kind words, you fabulous thing you.
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That’s good enough for me, thanks Peter.
Incidentally, my own personal favourite is the James Levine one. Mars blows the roof off!
I’m still working through your blog and finding as many versions to listen to as I can. Via Youtube anyway.
Keep up the good work!
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If you’re interested in hearing any particular version(s), send me an email.
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Thanks Peter, I’ll certainly be in touch at some stage.
I’ve recently emigrated from the UK to Australia, so things are a bit full on at the moment, but I’ll definitely keep in touch.
Thanks again.
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coming soon:
https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=13721
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I’m definitely interested.
Thanks for letting me know, SM.
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If you can find it – difficult – there is an astonishing version by the Romanian State Orchestra conducted by Constantin Silvestri. He recorded it just before he “escaped” to the West and its release was withheld by the authorities. A few copies seem to have escaped though.
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Howdy, Mike-a-rama
Thanks for letting me know about that particular version. I’m now very interested in hearing it.
If it’s been released on CD, and I can find it, I’ll grab it.
Onward and upward!
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Another new version of THE PLANETS, the first for the Swedish BIS label:
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/sv/album/99852092
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6X0mPDJZyHIkD04ZpS88od
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Thanks, Thomas.
Time to get my listening ears on.
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A fine performance, but not one of the best out there.
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Peter, a question that maybe you can answer. What exactly is it about that 1958 Sargent recording that makes it just so brutal during Mars? Maybe a seasoned listener like yourself could help me understand what it is that makes it just rip through the music so hard? Is it just the sheer speed, more with the way individual instruments are played, the studio sound, the (relative) limitations of 1958 recording? There really is nothing quite like it, that, as you say, really does mow down everything in its path. It does sound super brass-heavy which probably helps a lot. Some other Marses (Mars’s? Mars’s’s’s’s?) that are at the same pace such as Bernstein’s or Karajan’s 60s recording still don’t seem to be quite as crushing. Any thoughts?
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Yowser, yer_da
What makes Sargent’s 1958 “Mars” so menacing?
This is an easy question to answer.
1. The rhythm is exceptionally steady. There are no tempo fluctuations. It’s eyes-down, straight-ahead, and relentless.
2. The notes in the rhythm are played very clearly. In other words, you can hear every beat. There’s no sloppiness in the playing whatsoever.
3. The dynamics are perfect for the music’s intent. It’s quiet where it needs to be, and loud where it needs to be.
Overall, it’s the steadiness. That’s the one unifying factor contributing to its overwhelming success as a performance.
Excelsior!
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I had two conflicting responses to that announcement:
1. “Oh no, not another one!”
2. “Bring it on.”
I’m constantly moving between those two reactions.
However, I will say that the blurb on that page is a bit weird. It spends much more time talking about the sound quality of the recording than the performance. (Out of the 131 words in the blurb, only two are reserved to describe the performance: “…outstanding interpretation…”. And that’s it. Everything else is about the recording quality.)
Nevertheless, I’m interested.
Thanks, Ziggy, for letting me know about this new Planets CD.
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Retrieved from my collection a copy of BBC Vol. 21 No. 10 of ol’ Sir Adrian conducting The Planets at the Proms from 1973. You can find great precision of musicianship elsewhere and I don’t believe that you will find any huge surprises, but there is a discernible electricity to the proceedings, given that it was a live concert. The sonics are quite decent, actually. Obtained the disk “free” as attached to an issue of the Gramophone here in the States about ~ 5 years ago so (theoretically) it is in your price range. Worth your attention and will be some fun for you if you can snag a copy.
On another matter, I vote for Ormandy/PO for the RVW Tallis, especially as reproduced from the recent Sony/Tower Records Japan (SICC 2134-5) remastered reissue. The recording is ethereal. Uncle Eugene’s merry band and their string playing are tough to beat at this sort of music. As we say here, “Your mileage may vary”.
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Aloha, Robert
I bought that 1973 Boult Proms Planets CD on eBay last year (19 July 2018, according to my eBay purchase history) – and I still haven’t heard it..
As for an Ormandy Tallis Fantasia, yes please. I’ve always liked Eugene Ormandy’s conducting (and he had a mighty fine orchestra to work with).
Time to find the Ormandy Tallis recording so I can hear it.
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Hi Peter, remember me? I sent you a message over at TC about another Gibson version (a freebie with the Daily Mail). Its a pretty broad account.I also sent you a piccie (I think).
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Howdy, Merl
“Hi Peter, remember me?”
I’m afraid not. (It’s not you. I don’t remember what I did yesterday.)
“I sent you a message over at TC about another Gibson version (a freebie with the Daily Mail). It’s a pretty broad account. I also sent you a piccie (I think).”
Er, don’t remember at all. Sorry about that.
TC?
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Thanks for this Blog Peter, as I write, there are over 140 recordings of The Planets available on TIDAL (I strongly recommend the HiFi subscription £19.99 per month) in very high sample rates and bit depths. I am listening to the Previn / LSO at 24/192 kHz and it sounds rather wonderful. I’ve been working through your list of recordings and finding some new ones too. While I don’t necessarily agree with your order, and frankly, I find such ordering an impossible task to do, I am very interested by your Comment and notes regarding each recording. Most helpful. Thanks.
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Howdy, JWB
140? Jeepers.
I dare say quite a few of those listings double-up on recordings. (Sir Adrian Boult’s five recordings, for example, have been re-released ad nauseam.)
I love André Previn’s conducting in almost everything, but not for The Planets. I really want to like his two Planets recordings more than I actually do. Ah well, at least I can keep on enjoying his Vaughan Williams and Prokofiev recordings.
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To add to your reviews:
1.- Michael Stern, Kansas City Symphony by Reference Records 2019. A 24bit -176KHz recording [1.63Gb]
I think it is a great recording, crystal clear definition, good interpretation (the organ sound very powerful), but the interpretation lacks a little bit of conviction, the one Dutoit and its orchestra generously provide. I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it.
Jupiter is magnificent, somewhat more ceremonial with a slower tempo
It is #2 in my list
2.- Buzz Ensemble and Melanie Barney playing the organ in weird brass quintet version recorded by Fidelio 2019.
Probably the weirdest planets of all, as it is missing the entire orchestra.
The Jupiter version lead by the organ is SO weird, but really nice.
The Brass ensemble does an outstanding job, while Melanie lifts all the weight with the organ.
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Howdy, Rodrigo (one more time)
1. No matter how great the sound quality may be, if the Stern Planets performance doesn’t do it for me, it won’t do it for me. Nevertheless, I’ll be interested in hearing the Stern Planets.
2. That Buzz Ensemble / Mélanie Barney version sounds like fun. I won’t be reviewing it, though, because it’s not the full orchestral performance.
Update: It’s been posted on YouTube. Time for a listen…
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Hi again Peter.
I saw this 2013 recording quite by accident when looking for something else. I don’t see it mentioned on your site when I do a search. No doubt it is somewhere on your radar. This may only be UK available, I can’t really tell.
Holst: The Planets & Elgar: Enigma Variations
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton, BIS 2013.
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8647874–holst-the-planets-elgar-enigma-variations
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Ha! I should have looked further. I’ll correct myself. This is not a 2013 release. It is a 2019 release! The Elgar on the disk was recorded 2013 and the Holst in 2017. So this is a newby. The Presto price isn’t forbidding, however it will increase with shipping.
I’m not going for it at this time. Have to hear it first and it must be good!
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Great site!
When I first heard the Planets in my teens (it was at the Proms, quite an experience!), I thought “What about Pluto?” I realized afterward that Pluto was discovered after Holst composed the suite. Then, many years later, when Pluto’s status as a planet was revoked, my first thought was, “Holst was right!”
The Dutoit version was recorded a few miles from here at the St-Eustache church. It’s a fairly standard church for these parts. You wouldn’t stop your car or even slow down if you drove past. Unless you’re a sound engineer, I guess. James Lock,a Decca engineer who was looking for a place with decent acoustics in the Montreal area, apparently went in there after a service, snapped his fingers and listened. He loved it. Dutoit and the OSM made most or all of their recordings there.
Holst was a bit of a surprise coming from them. They were mostly known for the French repertoire (plus Stravinsky, who was almost French). Is it my favorite version of the planets? I’ll have to listen to it again. Mehta and Steinberg have been my standards. But I’m expanding my collection, and this list will be very useful.
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Howdy, Max – and thanks.
I’m glad you’ve discovered the website. You may not agree with all my choices (“You have no idea what you’re talking about, Peter” is an entirely valid opinion), but I hope you’ll be entertained while you’re here.
As for the Dutoit / Montréal recordings, I love just about all of them. Great performances, great sound quality… what’s not to like?
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