More of the music of Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
Reviews and Commentaries for The Planets
- With outstanding sonic grades on both sides, this early EMI pressing is guaranteed to be the best copy of Holst’s Magnum Opus, The Planets, you have ever played
- Orchestral power like practically no other music on vinyl you may have heard, and Previn’s and the LSO’s performances are without peer in our estimation
- These sides are rich, clear and dynamic, with weighty brass, and the kind of dynamic power that lefts the energy level right into space
- A TAS List Super Disc, with a performance that’s as spectacular as the recording by the two Christophers
- More of our Favorite Orchestral Performances with Top Quality sound
These sides have some of the best sound we have ever heard for the work, and that’s saying something considering the scores of recordings we have played of this famous and famously well-loved piece.
Fortunately for audiophiles who love The Planets but are disappointed by most performances, a group that includes us to be sure, the amazing sound found on this copy is coupled with a superb performance.
As you might imagine, on a big system this would make for a powerful listening experience, which is exactly the experience we ourselves had during our recent shootout. This copy actually deserves its place on the TAS List.
Both sides earned strong grades for their powerful energy and orchestral excitement, especially from the brass section, a subject we discuss at length below. (more…)