Gustav Holst - First Suite in E-flat

[@urmorph]

I notice that most of the comments are by young wind players. I am neither, being an old pianist, but I cannot tell you all how much I admire your enthusiasm. May you have long lives blessed with music.

[@christiantrammell6271]

thank you

[@dcbandnerd]

Seconded. I was a percussionist in my high school band and got to play this and the Second Suite. Treasure these experiences the best you can, friends, and learn all you can. What I would give to have my mallets and sticks back and play music like this once more. Sadly, time and resources don't allow it. Perhaps someday, though.

[@ke7ejx]

+dcbandnerd I hear you there. it's been nearly ten years since I played a bassoon and I miss it so much.

[@emilycaballero6052]

+

[@johnries5593]

I'm a middle aged string (cello) and brass (baritone) player and have loved this one since high school. But my brass instrument tends to make me partial to Holst anyway.

[@andysugiyama841]

My father died trying to get to one of my professional performances in which we played this piece when I was 17 years old, I played french horn. During our next show a few weeks later, I asked the director and the band if they would permit met to direct this particular piece and add it to the show. It was one of the pieces my father really liked. The band graciously allowed it and dedicated that piece to him. So Holst's first suite in E-flat remains one of my most treasured pieces even now at age 48. I honor him every time i experience it again.

[@gabrielhalvorson1473]

That sucks I'm sorry for your loss

[@austineldridge0630]

Sorry for your fathers loss, my middle school band was going to play this for our end of the year concert but COVID struck and we had to cancel the concert. I too played French Horn in it and was upset that I couldn’t play my solo for Chaconne. One of the best pieces and I still miss it to this day. I’m now a Sophomore in high school.

[@mkg1497]

Sorry for the loss such a wholesome band director

[@lillegendgaming6513]

I’m sorry for your lose, and also hello fellow French hornest

[@amduck4266]

Shame

[@lifesigns101]

I fell in love with this song in the 9th grade and still enjoy 50 years later.

[@davidbobowski3604]

Me too! It's only been two years for me though!

[@huokuziinc.4333]

olivia dobbins me in 6th grade

[@kyleejackson5391]

Im still playing this song in band in the 8th grade and have been absolutely in love with it ever since I first got the music

[@nicholasgillogly6448]

olivia dobbins I played this in 9th grade too!

[@jamesdaniels3706]

Its been about 26 years ago for me....played solo clarinet and was first clarinet first chair...oohh yyeeaahh!!...class of 86

[@fortepiano4491]

The real tragedy is that I can't go back in time and hear this for the first time again.

[@thereedbreed]

I think the the trajedy for me is that I can't go back and hear it for the first time, while playing it. God that was magic

[@notyalc.]

@@thereedbreed same here, when we first played through chaconne, the whole ending where it builds up gave me chills and i wish i could feel those same chills for the first time again

[@moon-crested-waves]

@@thereedbreed Same… I played this in 8th grade and it was so cool the first time we ever listened to it and could play it. It’ll never leave my mind

[@danterosenberg7506]

🥲

[@jackgoodwin1454]

@@moon-crested-waves the fact that your band played this piece before high school is impressive

[@SheldonShannon]

Some people say that Gustav Holst didn't have as much success from his "First Suite in E-flat." Holst, knowing that he had to write something better, decided to take it a step up for his "Second Suite in F"

[@SheldonShannon]

Yeah it really only makes sense for the joke.

[@joshuahunt4708]

OH MY GOSH

[@HaloFreakJumps]

+Sheldon Shannon this piece is a high school standard now!! we had to play it my sophmore year and it stuck with me

[@TeasdaleLifeArchives]

+Sheldon Shannon Man thats a good one. classic.

[@MysteryAndroclese401]

+Sheldon Shannon I see what you did there...

[@michaelluppi4927]

All I hear is the Euphonium, and my tears hitting the floor

[@caleblenselink266]

Yes. Euph for the win!!

[@AlejandroRodriguez-vw4vp]

Same. (With tears in my eyes) Oh, the memories!

[@carrotjuse]

I, too, remember playing it with fondness. I loved this composition. For a shy kid, it gave me a chance to show my skill. I regret not continuing my studies!

[@alexish4297]

YES!!!!!!!!

[@benkeating7655]

Long live the euphs!

[@WSUFan2017]

This piece is a Euphonium player's dream come true.

[@Deedspemon]

So true #euphoniumisthebest

[@Kokofa101]

Very much so

[@Moreci1994]

+Blake Nelson This, Second suite, and almost all Sousa marches

[@joshuapalmer4595]

How about melody shop is euphoniums dream lol

[@glennallencheek4475]

As is The Second Suite. Holst was a Trombonist who also played the valved tenor voice instruments

[@loganpintor]

Holst truly was a musical genius. Whats most amazing is how he builds the phrases not only by increasing dynamics but by adding new sections in each passing along the melody and bringing us to the grand ending of the first movement with the trombones playing the melody. Ah what a glorious moment

[@michaelmoccio2225]

Yeah, the writing just lets the piece build on its own, and with such a good ensemble playing this recording of it, well it's just beautiful.

[@lafwillow6178]

TROMBONE!!

[@Whatismusic123]

Nah, this "music" is absolute horse sh*t

[@ironvanguard7219]

1:27 Composer: Hey clarinets, We are gonna go on that long scale that no one can can do. Me: NOOOO

[@MaxwellKaye]

Guess what... I can do it fine. You just have to practice :)

[@erikcaballero5093]

it's a fun scale though...

[@emiliawielgat5887]

OMG I'm playing it this year in my middle school, although I play oboe it is still hard. My band is really trying to get that to sound together like it is in the recording. We are having some trouble................😂

[@chloway420]

I can do it fine, i learned by muscle memory. it’s actually pretty fun.

[@sashia847]

It's just an F Major scale with a B Natural... So basically a C Major scale lol

[@zoejohnson8658]

Chaconne gives me chills. Every. Single. Time.

[@RossCompose]

***** D Ditto the March!

[@marieism9606]

Micah Lall-Trail but HOW?!! Maybe if you are a higher wind, but as a lower wind I can DEFINITELY say it is super fun to play.

[@SuperMonaLisaBros]

For some reason it reminds me of the video game Earthbound.

[@tomlofmark8788]

It's an absolute dream to play as a hornist

[@Sandralee1964]

Chills and tears! ❤️

[@Day2DayWithMcK]

It doesn't matter how many years pass by... some pieces from your earlier band-life stay with you. This was always one of my favorites (chose to teach and conduct it during my student teaching as well). Other favorites of mine from my high school years: Shostakovitch: Festive Overture Vaungh Williams: English Folk Suite Chance: Variations on a Korean Folk Song von Suppe: Poet and Peasant Overture Zdechlik: Chorale and Shaker Dance

[@elainebaker7970]

+Day2DayWithMcK We performed Variations my freshman year in high school and it's still my favorite c':

[@beckr11]

Amen. I'm a professional string bass player and my roots are in band. This is the heart and soul of my being!!!!

[@markjuarez6469]

+Day2DayWithMcK An interesting fact about First Suite is that it was the first original piece written for [military] band. There were plenty of chamber groups and early versions of the modern concert band itself that helped to develop that instrumentation but they essentially played transcriptions and arrangements. As such, First Suite is THAT much of an iconic piece for band now.

[@ThomasBearsOfficial]

I still have the runs from Variations of a Korean Folk Song memorized on my sax! 😂😂😂

[@LRF152]

+Day2DayWithMcK Playing Second Suite in F and loving my Tuba solos, I love this piece as well and wish we could play it.

[@Flanomax]

I'm one lucky amateur trumpet bastard who was able to play this at his dad's very last concert before retirement. Was super special to me then and even more now as he died unexpectedly less than a year later. I'll always miss his warm and soothing clarinet sound. But so thankfull for the opportunity!

[@floridaman5846]

i’m a senior in highschool now playing this suite for a spring concert and it had made me completely change my perspective on music i play primarily low brass and that my job is to play notes at a certain time and a certain way but this piece has made me see that music is more then just the instructions on the paper it’s a art form and what is art but a form of emotional expression nothing has made me love music more and i can’t wait to see where my life goes from here no matter how much socially deems it unhelpful or unimportant i will never stop playing music not till i die

[@FunksIncKeys]

Keep it going my dude. I too am a Florida man, who played Fhorn/Mellophone in HS. I fell in love with music during this time and I have never stopped. I'm 48 now and have played keyboards in several bands, genre all over the place. From classical and jazz, to Metal, to hip-hop, now I do jam band with MC's.

[@joediamond8210]

That is how it works......One of my band buddies...in his 90s....asked me if I knew "Don't Get Around Much Anymore ?" WE were on our way to a gig....he asked me if I could show up at his funeral and play it..... joe

[@Branchtail]

Love all three suites, especially on French Horn.

[@timothydu9415]

I know second suite in f and this one but I've never heard of the third. whats it called?

[@Guy-vq3qj]

Timothy Du i believe it's just the march or something of the sort

[@lanovazlucas7713]

xKenti I playing French horn

[@Xull41st]

I'm playing the tuba part the first movement is my favorite

[@meermahfuz4140]

Because you have a solo. LOL

[@mrpankau]

Such a convincing piece of music. Holst really had a way of inviting the listener into his unique little world and selling them on his ideas.

[@ezra6094]

I love the way you said that - it matches perfectly how I feel about this piece as well.

[@benjaminmclaughlin7661]

4:40 not enough bass trombone. Never enough bass trombone

[@terryeverhart4611]

😊

[@evafaggen7732]

Man there's nothing like hearing clarinets with good tone. They made me have to pick my jaw up off my desk.

[@giganerd896]

Took me years to get a good tone! Then I sacrificed it for le chonk of the bass!

[@giganerd896]

To clarify, I have a good tone on bass, not just chonk!

[@terryeverhart4611]

I was a bass clarinetist. What a gorgeous, seductive sound!

[@maniachik92]

I always loved playing chaconne the most of the 3 movements. I miss playing clarinet 🙁

[@afreshrainx9053]

I play clarinet but I am awful at the first movement with the sixteenth notes. Other than that I love the entire piece.

[@TheRealMsBella]

Me too. it's been like 13 years since I played it my sophomore year of high school. I still have my the music and love playing this piece.

[@chancellorepiclord9349]

Michelle Bellamy I personally loved playing the third movement on the clarinet Just that climax with all the high notes was so fun to play and it just felt great I loved it But I did also love playing the first movement it's a very close second

[@georgelopez541]

Intermezzo is my favorite

[@syafiqarifin4235]

I personally love Chaconne because I played bass clarinet and I love it because bass clarinet get that melody part with low brass for the first movement

[@mikeybauer1912]

In the late 60s, I had the sublime privilege of playing this under the benign direction of the late, great John B Robbins. What a fine time it was. Comradeship and Esprit de Corps. "Time it was, and what a time it was, it was. A time of innocence, A time of confidences." If you are playing in band or orchestra now, treasure the experience. Best regards. M

[@hornkraft9438]

A bit of Simon and Garfield, perhaps? ;-)

[@potatogodjett6279]

Comradeship? 60’s? Hmm

[@hrsdrvqueen5946]

beautiful words. thank you, sir.

[@emilyholowka]

for cornet 1’s, or anyone else who may find it useful :) 1. chaconne bar 8: 0:18 pickup one bar after A: 0:57 B: 1:27 pickup to D: 2:51 pickup to E: 3:23 pickup to F: 4:00 2. intermezzo: 4:49 A: 5:09 B: 5:24 C: 5:44 D: 6:13 2/4: 6:42 E: 6:50 pickup to 5 bars after F: 7:10 3. march 7:38 A: 8:11 7 bars after B: 8:49 C: 9:06 D: 9:29 pui mosso: 10:14

[@mrman5066]

not a cornet but W of you to do that

[@Philodee]

Ily 🥹

[@Doxsein]

This is amazing. I don't even need to know what a cornet is to appreciate this

[@matthewmoyer3105]

thank you so much

[@alancampbell1819]

One of my favorite pieces to play on Tuba. Gustav Holst never fails with his music. Whether it be First Suite in Eb or the Planets Suites.

[@derekfurst6233]

alan campbell as another tuba player I agree

[@Xull41st]

Same I also play tuba and as you know we never get the melody so its nice to have it once and awhile

[@Jeremiah_Rivers76]

You had me at _The Planets!_ Speaking of which, did you know that a book on astrology while vacationing with a group of friends provided the spark he needed? m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6KmqWNtrNtkhs0

[@jackgoodwin1454]

Always a pleasure to see another tuba in the comments section

[@kadencetrujillo3988]

I'm a freshman in highschool and I play the clarinet. I'm listening to this piece for a class assignment and I love the clarinet part....it's really beautiful

[@minilamma4879]

Woah, it’s been 3 years since you posted this comment, are you a senior now? Are you still in band? I’m a sophomore flutist btw, this is my first time getting a solo part (2nd song) so I am excited

[@giganerd896]

I'm a senior now, as well, principal bass clarinet, I'll never forget this piece!

[@emilypetro5034]

There are so many Euphonium players commenting on here, I'm so happy! :D I'm a college freshman this year and that's my primary instrument. I'm playing this piece for the third time, and I still love it!

[@jamesknezetic]

The peak of the crescendo at 4:00 takes my breath away and swells me with emotion every single time I listen to this wonderful suite.

[@jacobdyson5626]

The third mvmt was killer on euphonium during the fast parts...especially when you were never taught how to double tongue :/

[@jacobdyson5626]

Federico Bolano Thank you! I'll be practicing it soon :)

[@davidcassidy602]

Is that a euphonium for something?

[@brandanhickman8035]

A little late but I hope you got it 😂 Try Army of the Nile. The euph part makes this look like a cake walk

[@willsoneupher4040]

Jacob Dyson which part are you referring to? The beginning?

[@michaelolmoz225]

Jacob Dyson I have the euph part and its the original (no silly arrangements) and there’s not really any spots that would require double tounging in the march :/

[@jeanantrim662]

I Played 1st flute and Piccolo for this piece under the great Frederick fennel, and he had me double the Eflat Clarinet for the repeated note in the Intermezzo, as it was cued in my original part. Can't love this piece enough!! Great and correct tempos here too!! Jean Antrim

[@richardstone5813]

jean Antrim I was principal Eb clarinet for the Raf Central Band and had the privilege of being conducted by Imogen Holst in 1973 for both suites.

[@storm8132]

im flute and picc for this as well

[@bobcat24]

That high trumpeter at 4:10 though..... Man it really gets me every single time

[@dillonheck801]

I loved that high C at the end of the first movement.

[@Darkcloud1021]

Bro I love the end of the first movement. It's amazing

[@robertg0105]

When my director pulled this out first day of Wind Ensemble, and we played it, I was blown away, and quite frankly disappointed, I hadn't discovered Holst until 10th grade

[@zekromfury]

As a flute, I can say I love the 24-measure rest in part 1, the 20-measure rest in part 2, and the 70-measure rest in part 3

[@taramay782]

I played this in all state band and I was playing the contra alto clarinet so I love hearing the low brass and woodwinds blow the roof off this piece. It's so pretty all of the movements! I still love listening to this piece right now!

[@facundotello4102]

I'm playing this in trombone, and every time we play those dancing eighths I get the chills. Truly amazing.

[@LaMexican619]

Every time I here this beautiful piece of music I get a flash flood of memories from hs. It's because of this song that I'm am able to be happy. With a broken down brain due to emotional trauma, this suite keeps me sane and away from suicidal thoughts and lessens my chronic depression.

[@rhofman1958]

Pedro Salazar I am so sorry

[@Nick-iy7hn]

Pedro Salazar damn nigga

[@Nick-iy7hn]

- Pyromanaical sacrifice your bitch to meee

[@angelc4494]

Pedro Salazar READ THE BIBLE. THE LORD WILL HELP YOU

[@carrotjuse]

Music has been my salvation, Pedro... along with therapy! Never... ever... give in!

[@graceasaurusrex6583]

So many euphonium players -my people!!!!!!!

[@edwardgonzales2731]

The flute & oboe duet at 2:13 is just so freaking amazing! Best I have ever heard been played! Love this whole suite to death!

[@ThatOnlyCoolGuy1997]

There is actually a sax playing the solo with them

[@abimacias3340]

Zaaayuum

[@edwardgonzales2731]

Abi Macias ZAAAAAAAAYUM

[@anthonyclarkjr.]

Get off youtube and go practice

[@brandongarner6680]

Don't forget about the sax solo in there

[@amandacummings5884]

The chaconne part was used as our audition piece for symphonic band. I play the flute and I must say that although the slow parts are nice, the tricker,faster parts are my favorite.

[@leahk3502]

I play flute as well. It's so much fun with the sixteenth notes

[@doddlebendingmaster6202]

+Amanda Cummings same

[@Ijustneededahandle]

I like the slower parts at the end

[@pecklespeckle1]

@@leahk3502 couldn't agree more

[@fredslide5677]

I played this in youth band over 30 years ago as a teenager and was really moved by this incredibly beautiful music. Through a twist of fate I am now the conductor of that youth band, and am about to introduce this piece in September 2021 - I feel so excited to be doing this music again, and being able to share it with the next generation - a very humbling experience! I also love that so many people have commented about their own special moments and I will do my best to bring all these out in our performance!

[@cherrylolly1728]

now im curious as to how they have done with this piece!!

[@fredslide5677]

@@cherrylolly1728 do you remember how you felt the first time you heard this wonderful music?! It happened again for 45 young musicians! What a special moment when I saw the band’s reaction as we played through the suite😊. It will be on our concert programme in 2022.

[@cherrylolly1728]

@@fredslide5677 well im very proud of them! i hope they do lovely and am sure they will blow these piece out of the water with their talents! much love coming from a junior in high school flute player!

[@fredslide5677]

So, Covid aside, planning to start work on detail in mid January with the youth band - anyone want to come?!

[@Kharn121]

This and the second suite in f are some of the best music I've played on tuba. Great pieces.

[@bpfreek7]

I can 100% agree with you! We did the second suite last year and we're doing this one now, tuba part is insane!

[@marieism9606]

I play bass clarinet and my band teacher is making our wind ensemble play this piece for our group playing portion for our final exam. Totally hype about my solos in second movement :). We just played the second suite in f in our last concert. Shoutout to my lower winds!

[@daphnedozier6593]

I played bass was with this piece as well, and bassoon for the other piece we played. I was pumped af for the bass solos

[@jaydenbailey5604]

This piece is very fun to play on bass clarinet

[@daphnedozier6593]

@@jaydenbailey5604 it really is!

[@Roman-us2fp]

Daphne Dozier *cries in 2nd chair*

[@brianna6295]

so nervous for these runs

[@YoungHammock]

The Horn Solo is so much fun! My high school band alternates between this and the second suite every two years.

[@xilovemusicx11]

i played my first piccolo solo in this piece :') ive come a loong way since then but this piece will always have a special place in my heart 💕

[@spigotsandcogs]

Hmm. I wonder if this song is British.

[@poem2self]

@�tienne Desbiens are you sure?

[@saxydude1533]

Poem 2 Self nahhh

[@MyGeezer1]

Considering Holst was a Brit you can say its a Brit song.

[@mrjaxsonjay5110]

I don’t think so

[@silvesby]

Hard to tell, really

[@bread_girl_jane]

i’m playing timpani on this piece for my college’s symphonic band. i don’t know how to explain what this means but this piece, especially the first movement, is just so holst. i’m in love.

[@superdude4464]

One of the greatest pieces in all of concert band repertoire. I loved performing this, and I come back to listen to this piece every once in a while, just for the chills. Truly incredible.

[@mckenziekuehl3747]

Ihave to say as an oboe player it really challenges you to stay with a proper tone and this piece has helped my ability as a player more than any other piece.. I love this piece it is with no doubt my favorite.

[@jurassictart6897]

mckenzie kuehl I agree so much, currently I'm playing this in my school's wind ensemble and the more exposed bits force me to focus on tone, intonation, and other aspects that I don't give enough attention.

[@rjjames8832]

I played oboe on this song and man oh man, as my first year or so on the instrument after playing the saxophone, that was ROUGH. But it is still so beautiful, and I'm sad that I couldn't do it justice

[@josiahcaminiti4336]

Oboe all the way. Best instrument in the world.

[@kineticcobalt4943]

@@josiahcaminiti4336 Agreed. I played First and Second Suite this year in band and while I don't get to play any of the solo stuff because I'm second chair, it is really nice being able to listen to oboe for a change, especially a really good one at that. Holst knew we were the best. ;)

[@WoFfan13]

Josiah Caminiti Thank you!!! Someone who agrees with me!!!

[@chynatoofab1670]

im playing tenor saxophone for this piece in my band omg

[@energydragon0612]

High school euphonium player here! We are playing the Chaccone for our spring concert and thinking about doing the March and Intermezzo for our next, and I couldn’t be more terrified/excited! So much euphonium sound in this piece-I love it. I’ve never played a solo before and even if it’s brief, I’m ecstatic. (6:42)

[@chichow08]

I played this in my senior year of high school (1989-90) playing the 1st F Horn part.

[@jaseoverstreet4787]

Rachelle Leech I’m playing this at Crestview HS as first horn, very fun

[@matthewmoore2698]

1st cornet tops everything! 4:10 gives me chills when I play it in class

[@Cc0le45]

Man that C for us (concert B flat) is just awesome! A trumpeter here we are playing a slightly dumbed down edition on first suite and I don't think the firsts go that high, which is unfortunate since it sounds amazing. I got part 2 so not quite sure.

[@iraccoon8830]

always did to me, also. Amazing piece.

[@moniquelove6098]

Go trumpets and cornets :)

[@scarecrow8866]

Trumpet gang

[@mr.chicken7888]

@@scarecrow8866 trumpet gang indeed can wait to play the solos for contest

[@a_friendly_wisp_]

I have so many good memories linked to this piece :). Some times listening to it bring tears to my eyes!

[@mikeybauer1912]

me too

[@kaydenpoteet8897]

My band director traveled 2 hours to see me perform this with an honor band. I got first chair flute and the solos!

[@rhofman1958]

Nadine Morgan same so what are your memories

[@jamescardenas9283]

Favorite piece by Gustav Holst. Just so much raw emotion and energy all throughout!! And with 17 different themes, OMG its a true work of art! I love conducting this piece too! You can put so much into it, and get so much out during a performance. I cry nearly every time.

[@xQMA]

My high school band played this last year, and I had the Euph solo at the beginning of the chaconne. By far my most favorite piece I've ever played.

[@brianlovesmc]

The solo is at the end of chaconne?

[@xQMA]

+Brian Hernandez The version we had had a euph solo at the beginning. Maybe it's because we were a pretty small band.

[@joshmendiola241]

we just got the piece and Im the only Euph player any tips?

[@vasukushalnagar4087]

If youre the only euph player, you can play out more than you think. The slurs matter more than the volume so do what you need to get the notes slurred. I just played this at a concert today for my college band and I'm the only euph. For the longest time I thought that I was too loud so I kept trying to play so soft that I failed to get out a few notes. It turns out that it feels like youre playing louder than you really are because there are so few people playing. So dont worry if the volume feels louder than it should be.

[@chipcinemation]

Do not be afraid to play out, if your the only euphonium, be confident

[@ashleygrace6100]

i’m a horn player 3rd movement is a whole bop

[@jaseoverstreet4787]

ashley grace as a 1st horn, I completely agree

[@strawbunnies]

If you have never played this piece in your life and you consider yourself a band nerd, were you ever actually in band??

[@Wrswest]

Yes. I've played in my school bands since Grade 7, and it wasn't until 1st year university that I actually got this piece (because I was in a band that can do it). Don't discount band nerds from places that aren't as music-focused; for lower level school bands, this is a very hard piece (especially the trumpet part).

[@rhofman1958]

Ross West thx I had to play this last year trumpet

[@Xull41st]

I'm playing this right now with my high school band

[@Wrswest]

Would've loved to do this, but my high school trombone section would probably die trying.

[@Xull41st]

Mine is right now

[@juliaschmidt0923]

Gustav Holst was truly one of the best composers of all time. His music just pulls you in and you can listen to it for hours.

[@MustardPeter]

Understood. However, highschool students may still be very proficient in the art of music. I myself am a junior in highschool and am partaking in a very prestigious Wind Symphony where very good players come to play (this song also). Of course, our sound is not as professional as the recording you hear, but we play with seriousness. If a kid, with kid-like tendencies, enjoys a song, they may comment about it showing their excitement. Please do not be so quick to judge, and just enjoy the music.

[@lemonadegamesss]

I am a tenor sax for our band in high school and as soon as we got this piece our music instructor told us that his teacher said this was a musical great and every kid should have the privilege of experiencing it. He was too right. Practicing this has made me shoot up in skill level and it is all around such a great song. I love how it keeps the chaconne melody throughout the song. To everyone who plays this I hope you share my thoughts lol

[@624Dudley]

Forty-five years ago I played this piece on bass clarinet. Memories flood and tears flow.

[@giganerd896]

I hope to look back on this piece 40 years from now... I also play bass!

[@EmmaDoty21]

In the spring of 2021, at the end of the Covid school year when our band was very limited in how much we could do, we finally got to have a concert, just before graduation, and we played Chaconne. The weather was gorgeous and the mood was giddy, ecstatic to be performing again. This Sunday, two years later and after dealing with complications of a Covid infection, I get to play this glorious suite in its entirety with the community band. We rehearse in the high school band room under a poster dedicated to my Class of 2021.

[@daphnedozier6593]

Played this song my junior year of highschool. I'm a sophomore in college now, and still come back to this piece to listen all the time.

[@mojobena]

Holst was such a genius! What could he have given the world if he'd had music-writing software?? So much enthusiasm, joy, love, playfulness, deviousness, excitement, wonder, sadness... All entwine beautifully to become an enduring painting of life in the early 1900s.

[@landongeitzenauer3075]

That horn solo is severely underrated.

[@lymanmj]

Frederick Fennell was THE pre-eminent conductor of wind ensembles during his career. When he conducted the "festival band" I played in as a high school student, he made that ensemble sound like nothing any of us had heard - practically all of us said this. A truly great musician and conductor. His recordings with the Eastman Wind Ensemble are the standard by which all large wind orchestras are compared. Thanks, Maestro Fennell, for a great experience. Daniel T - thanks for posting this.

[@tsf5-productions]

Sure...it's been said time and again in many ways: The people who have heard this piece over its history - nearly 110 years - love it. So do I! This band performing it...one of the greatest in the world! The U.S.M.C. is so proud of them in their long history. These people strive for perfection. Frederick Fennell has been a very long time band leader and the world owes him a great gratitude!

[@NicBrandon]

The best rendition of this piece I've heard.

[@O-sa-car]

Nicolas Brandon Fennell is the Bernstein of wind band conducting

[@sulffffffur]

We still haven't played this in concert. I'm pissed.

[@doddlebendingmaster6202]

You'll get there! And when you do, enjoy it cuz omg its an amazing piece.

[@sulffffffur]

+Groovy Gibster I hope so, because we've looked at it a couple of times and I loveloveloved playing Chaconne.

[@november-bravo]

I haven't heard this piece in nearly four years. The first movement still gives me shivers.

[@birukb273]

7:38 This movement THIS MOVEMENT. My band class got First Suite this year and we love this one so much. We literally play it to death. There could be as little as 3 of us and we’d start playing March. It’s just too good.

[@kylehanson7288]

I really enjoyed this piece in high school, but fell in love with it after playing the Chaconne over and over and over again as the guinea pig band during a conducting symposium in college. This piece is a privilege to play as a musician of any age. I could chose my words carefully, but it really boils down to a "you know it when you see it" kind of experience. This piece leaves an impression on anyone who has the good fortune to be able to play it and listen to their director rave about it. I am in my mid 20's and will remember the clarinet solo of the intermezzo until my mind gives out of old age. What a blessing it is to have been able to play music like this.

[@clipholder]

Besides euphonium, bass trombone has the best part.

[@ethanfoster8300]

i agree. -me a bass trombone player

[@thebrackingestbrackforu3273]

Cornets

[@pslim68]

Ummm, definitely Tuba.

[@bassbone2473]

As both a euphonium player and a bass trombone player, I completely agree.

[@konradhomiak3700]

BassBone247 there is another

[@ryantippy6987]

I'm a freshman, clarinetist going into our symphonic band next year, and oh my, what a fun piece!

[@feli778]

oh! hey! i'm in your band, lol. by the way, i heard just a few notes from you today, but your playing is lovely! :)

[@mac_n_cheesie]

so y’all are seniors now, cool

[@rickycoto7889]

music such as this magnificent piece will be remembered by musicians across the world. With such fine beauty, talent, and sophistication, this is my most favorite piece to play on my clarinet

[@anthonysantos8946]

my bands playing this rn

[@FreezingGamer1]

same

[@Xull41st]

FreezingGamer same

[@Xull41st]

I just love how the tubas have the melody in the first movement

[@cristinaparker6326]

Gamer guy_156

[@ryancnvr]

Same

[@x-celsius5905]

This was one of the first songs I played when I got into my high school wind ensemble, and it will always be one of my favorites. The chaconne is my favorite movement; I can't help but smile and look back on those memories (even though it's only been a year since I first played it). Good times...

[@elihan9878]

Literally me right now. (Euphonium)

[@aubreymorgan3785]

I'm a trombonist, and I personally find this entire composition to be my favorite! It's utterly breathtaking, and I adore hearing all the other instruments come together. I'm very thankful to be able to play this song. I hope I'll be able to play trombone many years into the future.

[@giganerd896]

Have you been able to?

[@TheFremontTroll07]

As a trombonist aswell for 9 years it is definitely a pretty heat piece ngl

[@emeralddaigle]

I'm a senior and first chair flute/piccolo in high school and we are playing this at my last concert, we are also playing Stars and Stripes Forever by Sousa and Arabesque by Hazo... And fellow Piccolo players will understand when I say I am SO excited for this concert!!! This is one of my favorite songs we have ever played!

[@ardenbaker8599]

Currently playing this for our winter concert in band! I love the third movement, so fun to play on the flute :)

[@scottfritz56]

The greatest halftime show I marched was based off of this piece. It was entitled "First Impressions" because we had just received new uniforms that year. The music was almost exactly the same as in the original arrangement. Such great music and a very powerful show.

[@Sam-qx8bz]

I am playing this in my band class rn, and i am finally getting recognized as a euphonium. Such a beautiful and heart-warming piece

[@dominicalati4946]

How can ANYONE have a thumbs down on this classic?? They must not be bandsmen!!!

[@enochoguntuase2496]

This will be the last concert piece i ever play with all my best friends as a senior in highschool. Truly a beautiful end to our chapter in band.

[@fernie51296]

I'm saying this in wind ensemble. It's a pretty fun piece. Clarinet part sounds nice and pleasant.

[@annecosgrove2133]

My husband (clarinet) and I (french horn) played these two Suites by Holst in our high school bands, he went on to play them in the county community band for years. We still listen, hum along, they bring joy every time. Holst and Vaughan- Williams were gifts from the universe.

[@baileyweimer9075]

I live for the oboe solo in Chaconne

[@emiliawielgat5887]

I love playing it. Its such a fun part!!!

[@skyewillhite7383]

I cry EVERYTIME I listen to this, I fell in love with this piece in 9th grade and every once in a while I’ll come back to listen to it. Full blast in my headphones the build up makes me sob

[@imnakulo4525]

I just switched from percussion to tenor saxophone and then my band director hands me this piece... i can play all my parts but the 16th note runs always get me

[@nathanhughes6881]

ITS 2 AM IN THE MORNING AND IM LISTENING TO THIS FULL BLAST ITS FUCKIN LIT

[@geoterra9478]

That's the best: Band Pieces at absurd times of the day

[@susanhackett63]

👍🏻!!

[@fastronaut909]

Dang bro I feel like we're on the same wavelength

[@Grovyle90]

Same, but it's 2am in the evening for me

[@aarongarceau4053]

I love how there are still some hidden pockets of KZbin uninhabited by trolls. I love all the musicians on here talking about their favorite parts, their favorite music and their memories playing this piece. No matter how much I've tried to like other pieces as much the First Suite is still my favorite and I listen to it here with 10 minutes worth of goosebumps.

[@uvn6210]

I know it’s weird because we don’t have any solos or anything, but I love the bassoon part on this. It’s simple to play for the most part (I’m looking at you sixteenth notes in intermezzo!) but it adds so much to the piece as a whole. Bassoon and Bass Clarinets for the win!

[@giganerd896]

Yes, absolutely! Bass Clarinet here!

[@201watermelon]

im in concert and marching and i brought my marching horn home but this is making me miss my euph :'( its ok though

[@johnries5593]

You do understand that when you took up euphonium, you joined a cult. I really didn't get that aspect of it until I attended my first Tubachristmas. Those who take up the instrument tend to fall in love with it very quickly.

[@yaboycas909]

"I know you don't normally say this about concert band music but when you listen to it trust me, the bass drum part is Epic." -Mr. Kandrack our percussion specialist and assistant band director

[@IceCreamIslander]

I swear, this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. The ending of Chaconne gives me chills. Playing this in band was an EXPERIENCE.

[@michaelfarmer8253]

In the late 60s I had the unmitigated pleasure of playing this exquisite piece under the direction of the late, great John B Robbins. What a fine time it was. What special memories. If you are playing this now, cherish the experience. Thank you MasterDecoder once again

[@mothman7019]

Just played this at our spring concert and my god I’ve never heard my friends hit notes like these before this song

[@Soethagaming]

Playing this for a concert tonight. It's a super super special night for me because not only is it my first college concert, but it is also my birthday. I'm so blessed to be able to do what I love on my birthday. I hope everyone has a lovely day!!

[@Soethagaming]

Hi me again, you played Chaconne again this year as well as a variation of it and you had a blast ♥️

[@Soethagaming]

Hi I'm back again, I transferred to the University of Georgia and I am recommending this as a piece for us to play next year. I also recommended Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Finale because that's one of my favorite pieces ever, if not my absolute favorite piece.

[@TheEnderborg]

Any other Bari sax players caught off guard their first time playing this piece by briefly having the melody in Intermezzo xD

[@katarinagedman6193]

DoctoredReality I was more caught off guard the 64 measures of rest in chaconne. Killed me

[@lailathedawn]

DoctoredReality HELLL YEAAAAAAH

[@notyalc.]

we would start the first movement and by the time i would come in at A after 30 something measures of rest, the band director would stop and it was so disappointing

[@fatcontroller12]

Me

[@Matt-rq7qh]

One time during Chaconne where my conductor just kept going back to D (halfway through D, where the melody is inverted) we finally get to two measures before F, and he stops and we go back to D. Spent a good half hour doing nothing

[@ike1025]

i’m an alto sax player in high school and i’m so excited for our concert and playing this!! chaconne is my favorite movement, the build up and peak give me chills, but the whole piece is amazing and really fun to play!

[@ke7ejx]

This was one of my favorite pieces. What I wouldn't give to play my bassoon again.

[@johnries5593]

If you still own the basoon, all it may cost you is practice time and maybe time and money for lessons. I mostly neglected my cello for 30 years before I started taking lessons regularly almost 10 years ago. I was amazed by how quickly it all came back. It turns out that while one can get out of practice, the knowledge never goes away. And unless you live in a very small town, chances are very good that there is a community band close to where you live.

[@ke7ejx]

+John Ries Alas I rented mine. And yes, I live in a town less than 30,000 people. But I haven't played in almost ten years.

[@johnries5593]

The city where I live isn't much bigger than that, so you may want to see if there isn't a community ensemble you could play in once you were back in practice.

[@ke7ejx]

+John Ries Rural or Urban?

[@johnries5593]

+Kristyn Dodge Rural.

[@broiledhobbit]

The Chaconne goes right to my heart. I love how each variation is harmonized and orchestrated differently. And the March is exhilarating!

[@Patrick-eu6gi]

My sister and I played this together, me being a freshman and her being a senior. We were able to play in the same band for a short while, and I miss it :-(

[@ryanrodriguez7911]

I'll never forget playing this for my freshman year of high school. So many memories come flying back when hearing those first few movements of Chaconne. Grateful for all those years in band :)