Gustav Holst’s ‘The Planets’ will be performed on two pianos at Stratford-upon-Avon College on 15^th November.

The original score of Holst’s 7 movement suite ‘The Planets’ was composed for two pianos and this arrangement will be performed by Chris Long|, music lecturer at the College and John Jenkin, fellow pianist and conservatoire accompanist, at 7:30pm on Tuesday 15^th November. It will be a unique opportunity to hear classical music in a distinctive arrangement.

‘The Planets’ was composed on the cusp of World War I and has been described as ‘enduringly popular and influential – British music’s first striking testament to the Modernist outlook’. The music proved to be ahead of its time in that it explores rhythmic devices later found in the minimalist music of composers like Reich and Glass, alongside new, aggressive tonalities and the modality of English folk music.

The hugely popular tune currently popular as ‘World in Union’ began its life as part of ‘Jupiter’ (and is also widely known as the hymn tune ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’). Elsewhere the powerful moods of ‘Mars’ and the Impressionism in the magical textures of ‘Venus’ and ‘Neptune’ have been widely influential in film music (especially that of composers John Williams).

The performers in this concert are well-seasoned accompanists as well as soloists in their own right, and perform the music with an empathy and character that has already delighted and entranced audiences in Worcestershire.

Tickets are available from the College’s Box Office (boxoffice@stratford.ac.uk|) priced at £5 (£3).

Stratford-upon-Avon College Warwickshire offers a wide range of performing arts and music courses|.