Holst: The Planets / Grainger: The Warriors
The idea of John Eliot Gardiner not only doing Holst'sThe Planets, but doing it so effectively, shouldn't have come as a surprise, considering his broad musical culture and the success he has always had with large-scale works. His interpretation is quite reminiscent of Sir Adrian Boult's mid-'60s account with the same orchestra (then called the New Philharmonia)--tasteful yet full of character, impeccably played, energetic, fresh. On top of that, the recording is breathtaking. There is extraordinary inner detail, with string tone that is natural (as is the timbre of winds and high percussion) and an astonishing amount of weight in the bass. The coupling, Percy Grainger'sThe Warriors, is a wonderfully erudite touch--just what we should expect from Gardiner--and a romp for him and the orchestra.--Ted Libbey