More of the music of Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

Reviews and Commentaries for The Planets

• This early British EMI pressing is guaranteed to be the best copy of Holst’s Magnum Opus you have ever heard, with both sides earning Nearly Triple Plus (A++ to A+++) sonic grades – just shy of our Shootout Winner
• The vinyl on these mid-70s EMI pressings is never as quiet as we would like – with such a dynamic recordings, one with so many quiet sections, lightly ticky vinyl is unavoidable
• 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 lifts the energy level right into space
• A TAS List Super Disc, with a performance that’s as spectacular as the recording (thanks to the work of 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…)