Holst - The Planets

[keiths]

Way back in March, Martin T posted a comparison between several versions of Gustauv Holst's The Planets - http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?13134-Spinning-Today-(Classical-version)/page110 - post #1093 onwards, with several contributors chipping in with their own favourite versions. At the time, I was only familiar with the work through Tomita's version which I have on CD, so since then I've been keeping my eyes peeled in the local pisharias for versions of the work (especially on vinyl).

So far I've managed to get excellent condition copies of:

http://www.simister.com/public/planets_1.jpg

Vinyl:
Herbert von Karajan/Vienna Philharmonic - Decca Ace Of Diamonds 1973 (reissue of 1962 recording)
Sir Adrian Boult/The New Philharmonia Orchestra - EMI 1967

http://www.simister.com/public/planets_2.jpg

Vinyl
Steinberg/Boston Symphony Orchestra - DG 1971
Sir Adrian Boult - EMI 1979 in association with KEF loudspeakers

http://www.simister.com/public/planets_3.jpg

CD:
David Lloyd-Jones/Royal Scottish National Orchestra - Naxos 2002

So far have only had a quick listen to all of them and am finding it difficult to choose a favourite. I think the Karajan just about shades it, but the Steinberg and the 1979 Boult run it very close. Sonically, I think the 1979 Boult is the winner, but all of them are well recorded.

I will have a listen in more depth over the coming weeks - I'm quite looking forward to closely comparing the two Boult recordings to see how his interpretation changed (if at all) over 12 years.

[synsei]

The best sounding version of Holst's Planet Suite I've heard was a Mono recording on Decca's Eclipse label originating from the 1960's, conducted by Sir Adrian himself. My copy has long gone to that great vinyl heaven in the sky unfortunately. IIRC it was performed by the LSO ;)

[pjdowns]

I have this album on both CD and Vinyl and the Vinyl version walks all over the CD, but it has to be said that the CD was one of the buy 3 classical CD's for £15 at HMV so not really a fair comparison :doh:

[keiths]

The best sounding version of Holst's Planet Suite I've heard was a Mono recording on Decca's Eclipse label originating from the 1960's, conducted by Sir Adrian himself. My copy has long gone to that great vinyl heaven in the sky unfortunately. IIRC it was performed by the LSO ;)

Thanks Dave - looks like Boult recorded it (at least) three times then. I'll keep my eyes open for that one too.

[synsei]

I have just performed a search on Google to look for it but there were no results. Essentially the cover design mirrors that of the image below. The title header is the same colour but the image is of the planet Jupiter ;)

http://www.classicrecords.co.uk/photos/ECS547.JPG

[daytona600]

three 180g/audiophile New versions i know of on vinyl
Previn LSO Emi/Hi-q
Mehta - LA Phil Decca/Speakers Corner
Mehta - LA Phil Decca/ORG 45rpm Double album

[Tarzan]

three 180g/audiophile New versions i know of on vinyl
Previn LSO Emi/Hi-q
Mehta - LA Phil Decca/Speakers Corner
Mehta - LA Phil Decca/ORG 45rpm Double album







Also Keith, it is nice to look at the album artwork, dunno which one of those l like the most!