Search - Holst, Handley, Mccarthy :: Planets Suite / St Paul's Suite

Another hidden gem

Ryan Richards | Midland, MI United States | 09/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is another welcome example of "budget price" not equaling "budget performance." Vernon Handley coaxes some amazing playing out of the RPO, powerful and precise, and the results have been my personal favorite Planets performance for years. As other reviewers have noted, the intensity in this work is difficult to find elsewhere, even on a lot of the more lauded recordings. Mars and Uranus blaze forth with fiery fusillades of brass and drums, while Jupiter is as jolly as it gets - except for its "big tune," which maintains a wistful English tone without falling into the trap of becoming slow as molasses. Yet this doesn't mean the less imposing movements are neglected: Venus is as lyrical as they come, and Mercury sounds like the fleet-footed, mischievous scherzo it should be. Saturn is appropriately pensive and resigned, while Neptune, although a little louder than on some other recordings, is nonetheless wonderfully eerie and evocative. More important than any of these playing characteristics, however, is Handley's intuitive grasp and understanding of the work. All reviews of The Planets ultimately focus on whether the conductor in question has grasped the notoriously elusive "soul" of the work, and Handley's "got it." He might not probe the depths of Holst's complex masterpiece as profoundly as Boult, but he still offers a carefully considered look at this suite, searching out the unique characteristics in each movement while still keeping an eye toward the integrity of the whole. In short, this is a Planets CD where almost every aspect - tempi, dynamics, interpretation - just "sounds right." Throw in a St. Paul's Suite with the same exuberance, atmosphere and attention to detail, and you've got yourself a winner. This CD is a true hidden treasure, and it will amply reward your purchase. Don't be surprised if this is the version of The Planets you keep coming back to. I've tried Mehta, Dutoit, Bernstein and the final version of Boult, and this recording of The Planets has still been the overall winner for me."

A Performance with Great Emotion and Bravado

Ryan Richards | 11/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although this is obviously an inexpensive title, it is definitely worth a listen. What sets this performance apart for me is the intensity of the interpretation, and the manner in which the brass and woodwinds have been allowed to "rock the house". As a trumpet player from long ago, it thrilled me no end to hear symphonic brass pulled to the fore to underscore some of the most dramatic music written last century. The Planets is a great work, but quite often is delivered in an anemic, understated style that leaves the listener missing some high drama and expression. The major mainstays (Mars and Jupiter) seem even more expansive and their portraits are drawn with a marvelously exhilirating brush, but what amazes me most is the added intensity to be found in Saturn and Uranus. Even if you have a copy of the Planets, this one is worth owning as well."

TERRIFIC Recording

J. MILLER | Los Angeles, CA USA | 12/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not a musician, nor am I a sound specialist, but I've heard many versions of Holst's Planets and this recording is among the very best. Great conductor. Great orchestra. Wondrous sound. (Frankly, one of the more popular versions--Previn on Telarc--sounds muddy to me.) I would rank Handley's take in the top five. Considering the incredible price, and the inclusion of the St Paul Suite, this disc ought to be owned by every admirer of Holst and Handley."