Review

Gustav Holst
Jupiter:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

4 trumpets (1 with piccolo & 4 with flugelhorn), 4 horns, 3 trombones, tenor tuba, 2 bass tubas & percussion (2 players): triangle, tambourine, cymbals, glockenspiel & 2 timpani

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

At the time of this writing The Planets is celebrating its centenary, having been completed in 1916. Subsequently the Andante maestoso section from Jupiter has become especially well-known in the composer’s own adaptations as both a patriotic anthem and as a hymn tune. Holst wrote for a section of 15 brass players in this movement comprising 4 trumpets, 6 horns, 3 trombones, tenor and bass tuba. Those instruments for the most part retain their original notes in this imaginative arrangement for 14 players. Holst’s score includes doubling of wind and string parts, which makes it possible to cover all or most of the notes with the smaller ensemble. The busy string figurations in the opening measures are on trumpets, four horns play the melody in unison; then first trombone. Horns take over the opening figurations when they re-appear in measure 57, and introduce the 3/4 section at measure 108. First trombone has the melody in measure 116. The ‘big tune’ at the Andante maestoso is introduced by the horns, taken over by tenor tuba, and then trombones. The final section marked fff concludes with a tutti chord of C major. First trombone range is E to c2 and 2nd is G–b-flat1; 3rd goes D–e-flat1. Trumpet parts are quite demanding; first tops out at f 3. First horn goes up to d-sharp2. Sonorities of the large ensemble have been exploited with consummate skill; this is an enjoyable and challenging playing experience for a college-level ensemble, and good listening too.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada