Holst: Songbook - Volume 3
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Composer: Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
- Instrumentation: Piano, High Voice
- Work Language: English
- ISMN:
- Size: 8.1 x 11.6 inches
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Description
Gustav Holst composed solo songs for voice and piano at various stages of his career, but with an abundance from the late 1890s (towards the end of his student days) into the early 1900s. Richard Capell, writing in The Musical Times in January 1927, mentions that songs by Holst were appearing in the programmes of London recitals early in the 1900s and several early examples were heard in company with the first performances of Vaughan Williams' Songs of Travel and The House of Life in 1904. Only a relatively small number of Holst's songs were published and, of those that were, many have been out of print for some time. The Holst Songbook (in 4 volumes, published in versions for both high and low voice) brings together all the solo songs for the first time and presents a wonderful opportunity for these hitherto undiscovered gems to be performed and appreciated for the first time. And, we hope, recorded too.
Volume 3 includes one song dating from the 1890s, another from the 1900s, nine from the period 1906 to 1914 (precise date unknown) and two from 1906/07. Most of these songs were composed when Holst, born in 1874, had reached his maturity as a composer and created his own distinctive style. Holst's daughter, Imogen, was fairly dismissive of much of her father's early output and refused to use her H-numbering sequence for such early works (namely anything dating from 1894 or before). of course, by that date Holst had reached his 20th birthday. Although Imogen was probably correct in her dismissal of some of these early works, it is a pity that she was so dismissive of everything predating 1895. Nevertheless, as all the songs in Volume 3 have been allocated an H-number, I think that we can safely assume that Imogen approved of them.
CONTENTS:
- Now Sleep and Take Thy Rest (Range Db-Gb)
- To Hope (D-F)
- Sovay (C-C)
- The Seeds of Love (C-D)
- The Female Farmer (D-F)
- Thorneyfield Woods (C-D)
- Moorfields (D-G)
- I Love My Love (C-F)
- Claudy Banks (D-G)
- On the Banks of the Nile (D-F)
- Here's Adieu (D-D)
- Stu Mo Run (Eb-F)
- Ratri (Night) (C-D)
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Holst: Songbook - Volume 3
