Gustav Holst – Sheet Music & Scores

“Never compose anything unless the not composing of it becomes a positive nuisance to you.” Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

If that was Holst’s main reason to compose, then Jupiter must have driven him positively mad! Holst’s wonderfully creative and expressive music inspired many, including John Williams, who drew from Holst’s galactic cycle The Planets to compose the film music for Star Wars. Browse our sheet music and scores, and explore the vast world of Gustav Holst with Stretta Music today!

His Life

Holst studied at the Royal College of Music in London under the direction of Charles Villiers Stanford. He spent the early years of his career as a trombonist in many different orchestras. From 1905, Holst devoted himself mainly to teaching. He was a big supporter of music education for both women and men, and he collaborated with his good friend Ralph Vaughan Williams on the development of many innovative music theory concepts.

His Work

Holst’s early music was inspired by Edvard Grieg, Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. As he grew and developed, he drew inspiration from the likes of Maurice Ravel and Igor Stravinsky and he also allowed English folk elements to feature in his later works. Gustav Holst composed over 200 works, including many wonderful operas, ballets and songs. His brass band music is also very popular, but his choral and orchestral pieces are the most regularly performed of all his works.

More Gustav Holst Links

• Piano Pieces by Holst
• Orchestral Works by Holst
• Choral Music by Holst
• Brass Music by Holst
• Art Song by Holst
• Sheet Music Downloads by Holst