Imogen Holst (1907-1984)

Donald Macleod delves into the life and music of Imogen Holst


Imogen Holst was a significant part of the British classical
music scene during the twentieth century. Daughter of Gustav
Holst, Imogen was raised in an artistic environment, and her
early aspirations were to be a dancer. However, after studying at
the Royal College of Music, Imogen Holst went on to be prominent
as a composer, conductor, writer on music, teacher, administrator
and artistic director. She also worked as an amanuensis to
Benjamin Britten. Throughout this exceptionally busy career,
including establishing the Purcell Singers, Imogen Holst
continued to compose and wrote many works from choral pieces and
folksong arrangements, to concertos and string quartets. Her
considerable output as a composer is only just beginning to be
appreciated.


Music Featured:


Agnus Dei (Mass in A minor) Allegro assai Theme and Variations
String Quartet “Phantasy” Persephone Come Under My Plaidie from
Two Scottish Airs Gigue from Suite for Viola On Westhall Hill
Sonata for Violin and Cello Prelude and Dance Three Psalms A
shower among the birch trees from Six Pieces from Finland
Crab-fish from Four Somerset Folk Songs Mill Field Suite for
Strings String Quartet No 1 Welcome Joy and Welcome Sorrow
Weathers arr. Arthur Keegan Suite for Viola (Cinquepace) As I sat
under a Holly Tree A Hymne to Christ Variations on “Loth to
Depart” The fall of the leaf Festival Anthem “How Manifold are
Thy Works” Timothy’s Trot What Man is He? Leiston Suite Hallo my
fancy, whither wilt thou go? String Quintet Mass in A minor
(excerpt)


Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Luke Whitlock for BBC
Audio Wales & West


For full track listings, including artist and recording details,
and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after
broadcast) head to the series page for Imogen Holst (1907-1984)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026wsv And you can delve into
the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the
Week here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z