First Suite in Eb by Gustav Holst
I. Chaconne
II. Intermezzo
III. March
British composers have produced several exceptionally fine works for the concert band. Of all these, the Suite in E-Flat is generally regarded as the cornerstone. Written in 1909, it is one of the few band originals that has been transcribed for symphony orchestra. It was given its first known public performance in 1920.
The opening theme of the Chaconne is repeated incessantly by various instruments as others weave varied filigrees about the ground theme. In the middle of the first movement the principal theme is inverted for several repetitions.
The Intermezzo is based on a variation of the Chaconne theme, presented first in an agitated style, then in a cantabile mood, the two styles alternating throughout the movement.
The two themes of the March, one dynamic and the other lyric, are also taken from the Chaconne theme. The first is something of an inversion and is played in a marcato style by the upper brasses; the second, a more flowing rendition of the theme, now “right-side-up,” is played by the woodwinds and lower brasses. Eventually the two are combined in a thrilling counterpoint leading to the coda.
Although Holst’s daughter, Imogen was critical of some of his compositions,
she wrote that “The whole suite is superbly written for military band... In spite of its original approach, the Suite never breaks away from the essential traditions of the band...”
