Holst: The Planetsby Anonymous
Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings
October 15, 2004:
James Levine conduction of the Chicago Orchestra gives another cliche to the "windy city" with this performance of "The Planets". Very colorful, light and airy, with a very good dose of strings make this version one to admire and treasure in your collection of Holst. The tempos are right there, with the overall effect quite soothing where it needs to be, and very powerful and profound in the other ones. Given 4 of 5 stars strictly in the sense that James Levine does add some of his own touches to the music, but a very enjoyable listening experience for all Holst lovers of this wonderful work of art called music.
Holst: The Planetsby Anonymous
Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings
April 12, 2001:
Holst's The Planets is both popular and fairly easy to perform, which means that there are plenty of recording out there. Unfortunately, that also means that there are plenty of bad recordings out there. The Planets is one of those pieces that is great when it is done well, but truly awful when done poorly. Levine's recording is phenomenal. Mars is terrifyingly tense as it builds to a fever pitch. The Waltz in the middle of Jupiter is frequently butchered in the hands of lesser conductors, but here it is flawless. You hear this one a lot. This is the one to own.
or link to hear an audio clip.
Loading...
© 2009 All Media Guide, LLC