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