The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s latest album, due to be released on 30 May, unites Holst’s beloved Planets suite with the world premiere recording of Deborah Cheetham Fraillon’s Earth.
More than a century after its premiere, Gustav Holst’s intergalactic masterpiece, The Planets has been a fixture in international orchestral repertoire since its 1920 debut. From the ferocious intensity of Mars to the otherworldly mystery of Neptune, the suite guides listeners on a cosmic journey, exploring the emotions and character each planet evokes.
Each movement takes its title from a planet; however, Holst chose to use astrological signs as his inspiration, rather than astronomical planets, which explains Earth’s absence. Beginning with Mars, the Bringer of War and ending with Neptune, the Mystic, the distinct and memorable mood of each movement is intended to convey ideas and emotions associated with the influence of the planets on the psyche, not the Roman deities. The Planets remains one of the rare orchestral works whose title alone can fill a concert hall.
Conducted by Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor Jaime Martín and recorded at Hamer Hall in March 2024, the new album marks the world premiere release of MSO commission Earth by acclaimed composer, performer, Artistic Director and MSO First Nations Creative Chair, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO.
“This work represented my seventh composition created for the musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra,” says Cheetham Fraillon. “The original premise for this commission was to create a movement that would complement the intent of Holst’s Planets suite by adding the Earth to the seven movements named for our neighbours in the solar system.
“As with each commission the main point is to find your inspiration and begin. Ultimately the Earth is set apart from its neighbours in this solar system by our humanity. And so, in the process of composing this work I decided to include that which truly defines us — our Voice. The glimmering, shining beauty of nature inspired me to write this text and to set it as the finale of this work”.
The cover artwork for the MSO’s new release was created by Wurundjeri / Yorta Yorta artist Simone Thomson and represents various elements of earth, stars, sun and natural elements.