Welcome to the final episode of our three-part series on the extraordinary composer Gustav Holst! If you missed our earlier episodes where we explored Holst’s life and his famous orchestral suite The Planets, be sure to check out those episodes using the links below.

In today’s episode, we dive into a different side of Holst’s musical genius—his First Suite in E-flat for Military Band. Composed in 1909, this suite quickly became a cornerstone of the wind band repertoire and showcases Holst’s love for British military music traditions.

We’ll explore how Holst, a talented trombonist himself, was inspired to create a piece that highlights the power and versatility of military band instrumentation. From its majestic opening to the lively, dance-like movements, each section of the band—brass, woodwinds, and percussion—gets a moment to shine. This suite is a perfect example of how Holst brought innovation to the world of wind band music, making it one of the most frequently performed pieces in the concert band repertoire today.

The First Suite in E-flat has been celebrated worldwide for its inventive orchestration and emotional depth, making it a favorite among both performers and audiences. It’s also a popular choice for music educators introducing young musicians to the rich history and expressive possibilities of wind band music.

I hope you enjoy these musical adventures, and I look forward to bringing you more in our next brand-new episode in two weeks!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 130: The Life of Gustav Holst

Episode 131: The Planets

Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode:

Holst: First Suite for Military Band in E-Flat major Op.28-1

Playlist for Episode 132

I've curated a playlist on YouTube of a few performances of Holst's First Suite in E-Flat. Check it out here.

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First Suite in E-flat for Military Band