The Planets

Gustav Holst

Op. 32

Recordings

Top Choice

Charles Dutoit / Montreal Symphony Orchestra

1986 Digital classic, prototypical demonstration CD.

Top recommendation, universally admired. Fantastic sound. Mars is powerful, amazing depth. The ethereal beauty is unmatched, which puts it over the top. Gorgeous.

Also Worth Hearing

Sir Adrian Boult / New Philharmonia Orchestra

1966 Pretty good stereo.

Better than his more famous 1978 recording. More dramatic, powerful, and a good complement to Dutoit. A bit rougher, but Mars is incredibly dramatic. Jupiter is fantastic.

Sir Adrian Boult / BBC Symphony Orchestra

1945 Fairly dim studio recording.

Not the first to get due to sound, but worth seeking out. Even more energized and dramatic than his 1966 version. Carries the stamp of authority.

Herbert von Karajan / Vienna Philharmonic

1961 Decca recording. Demonstration-worthy sound for its time.

Spectacular. Playing is fantastic. Karajan is great with the drama and pacing. One of the iconic Planets recordings.