Photo: Herbert Lambert / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Born on September 21, 1874 in Cheltenham, United Kingdom, Gustav Holst was a composer, librettist and music teacher. Death is recorded on May 25, 1934, at the age of 59. Gustav Holst studied at University College London. Listed accolades include Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal (1930). Credited works include The Planets and In the Bleak Midwinter.
My Take
Gustav Holst is, for me, the rare composer defined by a single colossal achievement. The Planets is so vivid that Mars and Jupiter have lodged themselves permanently in our collective ear, influencing film scores for a century. He reportedly felt ambivalent that nothing else he wrote matched its fame, and I find that tension poignant. But I'd argue that writing one work that becomes part of humanity's shared imagination is a triumph most artists never approach. This Cheltenham-born Englishman had a mystic streak and a teacher's heart, and Jupiter's grand central melody still gives me chills every single time.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Gustav Holst
- Name (Japanese)
- グスターヴ・ホルスト
- Reading
- ぐすたーゔ・ほるすと
- Born
- September 21, 1874 – May 25, 1934
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Virgo / Dog
- Origin
- Cheltenham, United Kingdom
- Occupation
- composer / librettist / music teacher / conductor / music arranger
2. Background
- University
- University College London
Awards & achievements
- 1930 Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | The Planets | — | |
| Notable work | In the Bleak Midwinter | — |
4. Links
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Gustav Holst born?
Born September 21, 1874.
When did Gustav Holst die?
Died May 25, 1934, aged 59.
Where was Gustav Holst from?
Gustav Holst was from Cheltenham, United Kingdom.
What did Gustav Holst do?
Gustav Holst worked as composer, librettist, music teacher, conductor, music arranger.
What was Gustav Holst known for?
Notable works include The Planets, In the Bleak Midwinter.
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