An inspired arrangement between Decca and Imogen Holst led to a series of pioneering recordings of her father Gustav Holst’s music, which appeared on Argo and are now comprehensively released on CD as part of the Eloquence series. In a beautifully-programmed sequence of choral music, with the little chamber music gem, the Terzetto, Imogen Holst directs performances that are sincere and refreshing. Sir Peter Pears makes an appearance too, singing the unusually but evocatively-scored Four Songs for voice and violin; his violinist is Norbert Brainin, leader of the Amadeus Quartet, no less. Imogen Holst’s original notes for the LPs – ‘acutely perceptive, objective and candid’ noted Gramophone’s reviewer Lionel Salter – are here reprinted as are the full texts. Much of the music was practically unknown at the time of this recording (beautifully captured by legendary Decca engineer Kenneth Wilkinson in London’s Kingsway Hall) and well overdue for publication.
HOLST
Four Songs for Voice and Violin, Op. 35
Sir Peter Pears, tenor
Norbert Brainin, violin
This have I done for my true love, Op. 34
Jesu, Thou the Virgin-born, Op. 20b
The Purcell Singers
Imogen Holst
Two Carols
The Purcell Singers
Imogen Holst with Edward Selwyn, oboe
Cecil Aronowitz, viola
Terzetto for flute, oboe and viola
Richard Adeney, flute
Peter Graeme, oboe
Cecil Aronowitz, viola
Six Canons
The Evening-Watch, Op. 43, No. 1
The Purcell Singers
Imogen Holst
Viola Tunnard, piano
Six Choruses
The Purcell Singers
English Chamber Orchestra
Imogen Holst
Recording Producers: David Harvey (Four Songs for Voice and Violin, This have I done for my true love, Jesu, Thou the Virgin-born, Two Carols, Six Canons, The Evening-Watch, Six Choruses); Erik Smith (Terzetto)
Balance Engineers: Kenneth Wilkinson (Six Medieval Lyrics, Four Songs for Voice and Violin, This have I done for my true love, Jesu, Thou the Virgin-born, Two Carols, Six Canons, The Evening-Watch); Michael Mailes (Terzetto)
Recording Location: Kingsway Hall, London, UK, December 1965 (This have I done for my true love, Jesu, Thou the Virgin-born, Four Songs for Voice and Violin, Two Carols, Six Canons, Six Choruses, The Evening-Watch), January 1966 (Terzetto)
‘entrancing’ (Two Carols) Gramophone
‘Peter Pears sings [the Four Songs for Voice and Violin] with predictable intelligence and beauty’ Gramophone
‘Throughout the record the Purcell Singers are in splendid form. Miss Holst is a most sensitive conductor, and the choir seems able to reflect every nuance of her intention.’ Gramophone