Composer

:

Gustav Holst

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1912 - 1913

Average_duration

:

12:57

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

St. Paul's Suite, Op. 29/2, H. 118 is a four-movement work for string orchestra composed by Gustav Holst in 1913. The piece was written for the students of St. Paul's Girls' School in London, where Holst was the director of music from 1905 to 1934. The suite was premiered by the school orchestra on April 23, 1913, at the Aeolian Hall in London. The first movement, Jig, is a lively and energetic dance in compound meter. The second movement, Ostinato, is characterized by a repeating rhythmic pattern in the lower strings, while the upper strings play a lyrical melody. The third movement, Intermezzo, is a slower and more introspective piece, featuring a solo violin and a solo viola. The final movement, Finale (The Dargason), is a lively dance based on a traditional English folk tune. St. Paul's Suite is a prime example of Holst's interest in English folk music and his use of modal harmonies. The piece also showcases his skill in orchestration, with each movement featuring different textures and timbres. The suite is often performed by school and amateur orchestras, as well as professional ensembles, and has become one of Holst's most popular works.

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