This lavish visualisation of Gustav Holst's orchestral masterpiece The Planets and Colin Matthews' additional movement Pluto, the Renewer features spectacular images which enhance the symbolic meaning attributed to each planet by the composer.

Directed by Rhodri Huw, this memorable audiovisual experience enthralled a massive TV audience with a spellbinding blend of images filmed in many locations around the world (including New Mexico, Arizona and Scandinavia), computer graphics, animatronics and a splendidly atmospheric performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales occupies a very special role as both a national and broadcasting orchestra, acclaimed not only for the quality of its performances but also for its importance within its own community.

“With the BBC NOW musicians playing as if these were their own lives on the line, the passion and commitment was total … it could hardly have been more alive and compelling." - The Guardian

BBC National Orchestra of Wales / David Atherton

Repertoire Mars, the Bringer of War
Venus, the Bringer of Peace
Mercury, the Winged Messenger
Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age
Uranus, the Magician
Neptune, the Mystic
Pluto, the Renewer

Reviews
‘The Planets’ Gustav Holst’s orchestral phantasmagoria is beautifully played by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, led by David Atherton, but the primary attraction of this disc is the visual images, which explore the mythology associated with “Mars, The Bringer of War,” “Venus, The Bringer of Peace, “Mercury, The Winged Messenger,” “Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity” and the others. The disc also includes an addendum : “Pluto, The Renewer,” composed by Colin Matthews.'
Washington Post

‘Reminiscent of Godfrey Reggio’s films with music by Phillip Glass, this photo-montage with orchestral accompaniment is a fresh and vital means of presenting very familiar music. It is, I believe, an ideal way to advocate such masterpieces to a new and perhaps not so educated audience. The photography is brilliant. …
The most stunning images are in the Venus, the bringer of peace. Filmed in the arctic, and in Ireland among other scenic spots, the glory of nature is portrayed with breathtaking abandon, and this eight-ish minute segment is worth the entire price of admission and bears repeated viewing.
As for the performance, this is not a run-of-the-mill Planets. Atherton recreates the score with both subtlety and aplomb, and with the necessary bravura when called for. …one comes to a whole new appreciation of Holst’s masterpiece by having a visual element.
This presentation might not appeal to die-hards or those who do not appreciate the mixing of media, but on the whole, I found this to be a most satisfactory rendition, amply enhanced by some fantastic photography. It has much to recommend, and I would encourage at least one viewing if not many.’
Music Web International

CAT NO: OA0916D
FORMAT: All Formats
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 16:9
LENGTH: 59 MINS
SOUND: LPCM STEREO
SUBTITLES: N/A
RELEASED: 28/02/2005
NO OF DISCS: 1