Holst, Strauss, John Williams

Here is the essential space odyssey – well, potentially anyway. Mehta and his virtuoso West Coast band impress most in Holst’s seven planets but its once famous view of Zarathustra endures less well, its glossy over-emphasis and spongy timpani inclining to lose speed. In the John Williams suites, the first Star Wars music, contrary to the composer’s own performance (with the LSO), is radically curtailed, with the Cantina Band number awkwardly contrived. Ates Orga

Our rating

4

Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm

COMPOSERS: Holst,John Williams,Strauss
LABELS: Decca Double Decca
WORKS: The Planets,Also sprach Zarathustra,Star Wars Suite
PERFORMER: Los Angeles PO/Zubin Mehta
CATALOGUE NO: 452 910-2 ADD 1968-78

Here is the essential space odyssey – well, potentially anyway. Mehta and his virtuoso West Coast band impress most in Holst’s seven planets but its once famous view of Zarathustra endures less well, its glossy over-emphasis and spongy timpani inclining to lose speed. In the John Williams suites, the first Star Wars music, contrary to the composer’s own performance (with the LSO), is radically curtailed, with the Cantina Band number awkwardly contrived. Ates Orga

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