This CD offers a mixed bag of music by Holst -- some of his most familiar works along with some of his most obscure. All are reissues of recordings made between 1980 and 1993, with
Nicholas Braithwaite conducting the
London Philharmonic. The earliest pieces, Walt Whitman Overture and Suite de Ballet, both written in 1899, are pleasant light music, but reveal little of Holst's mature personality. His first and second Suites for band (1909 and 1911), arranged here for orchestra by Gordon Jacob, are far more substantial musically and are immediately identifiable as Holst's mature work. Their roots in folk song, their memorable lyricism, and the composer's ingenious treatment of the material make them immensely enjoyable; they would be attractive to any fan of The Planets. The first suite suffers in its transcription -- some of its ruggedness is lost -- but the second suite is entirely successful in its orchestral version. A Moorside Suite (1928), also written for band and arranged by Jacob, shares the popular appeal of the two earlier band suites. The performances are vigorous and bracing, and Lyrita's sound is open and clean.