Ave Maria (1901)
Gustav Holst - (1874 - 1934)
Holst was born in Cheltenham into a family which, for political reasons, had emigrated from the Baltic port of Riga two generations previously. He came from a long line of distinguished musicians who could be traced back to the Russian Imperial Court. Many factors were to delay Holst finding a mature style: he sustained early setbacks in his composing career, and was afflicted with severe asthma and poor eyesight. Prior to his marriage to Isobel Harrison in 1901, Holst was to develop a stong interest in Hindu literature, and in later years an interest in mythology and astrology. These were to influence his work, as did his life long friendship with Vaughan Williams. His mind was also open to the 'progressive' influence of musicians such as Stravinsky and Schoenberg. Holst's career included the post of Director of Music at St Paul's Girls School in Hammersmith (a position in which Howells succeeded him). It was with the popularity of his orchestral suite The Planets (1916) after the First World War, that Holst savoured success and the ensuing freedom. Holst died after abdominal surgery following a brief career move to the USA and Canada in the 1930s where he had toured as a conductor and lectured at Harvard University.
Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, pray for us. Amen.
This is Holst's first published piece and was first performed in 1901. It was dedicated to the memory of his mother, a singer who had died in 1883 when he was eight. The setting is for women's voices and is in eight parts which gives the effect of a double chorus.
Programme notes compiled by Marion Ansell