A Comprehensive Biography of Composer Gustav Holst: With Correspondence and Diary Excerpts Including His American Years (Studies in the History and Interpretation of Music)
by Jon C. Mitchell
Category: Biography & Autobiography

Based upon and containing many of Holst's own personal letters, diaries and notebook entries, this study provides an intimate portrait of this larger-than-life personality. Many of Holst's innermost thoughts regarding musical composition, performance and music education are disclosed here. In addition, there is a significant amount of information concerning Holst's work ethics at all six of his places of employment. It also provides a view of the composer from this side of the Atlantic, shedding considerable light on Holst's plans and activities regarding his three American visits that is not found in the other biographies. A significant numbr of chapters are devoted to Holst's 1932 semester-long lectureship at Harvard University. The appendices include examples of Holst's manuscripts, thumbnail sketches of persons associated with his career, and (unique to this text) a chronological listing of his compositions.