Holst: First Suite for Military Band in E-Flat major Op.28-1

Gustav HOLST (Edit. Frederick FENNELL)
Tokyo Kosei wind Orchestra
cond. Tatsuya Shimono

[@joeplaysclarinet3668]

It’s nice to see a band that actually uses 2 Eb Clarinets as the score calls for. Their playing was fantastic.

[@barbarasack5570]

Eb alto horn also

[@andrewreisinger6860]

Also both trumpets AND coronets. This is one of the most prestigious wind ensembles in the world. No surprise they would play this piece EXACTLY as scored.

[@ca.3022]

Yes! I was always the only Eb Clarinet with a Bb helping on cues. This brings back such memories

[@RealMcSpoon]

As a clarinet player, I can confirm this to be true

[@TheJH1015]

@@andrewreisinger6860 and a baritone horn and eupho instead of just 2 euphos

[@kuvasz93]

Played this in HS over 45 yrs ago and listening to this just transported me back there- down to counting the measures ( I played 2nd French Horn). My daughter played this in her HS as a 1st French Horn player. Oh the memories 🥲

[@deepblue1077]

I also played 2nd horn on this piece in HS! Would have been 60 years ago. These guys are almost as good as we were! 😁

[@user-qb9bo9gw5q]

For myself Ⅰ. Chaconne 0:01 Ⅱ. Intermezzo 5:00 Ⅲ. March 7:44

[@lxdgr8]

Thanks!!!!!

[@artin80]

is correct.

[@Michael-er5ds]

I have just listened to about 6-8 versions of this Holst on KZbin and this is by far the best one. It has class: all of the lines of music can be heard, the tempos are not rushed but happen naturally throughout and the crescendos and diminuendos are executed with musical skill. This is something that most groups that perform this miss. Music is to be played with style and respect for the fundamentals of making music. Thank you Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra!

[@georgekelk9575]

Same

[@Doxsein]

I agree with all your points. I also am fond of the conducting gestures used, such as in the ending of the first and third movements.

[@kt6550]

The only version better than this one that I have heard was the 1970's version by the Cleveland Symphonic Winds under Frederick Fennell

[@Cornodebassetto]

The music making is wonderful and I like the fact that they are using Holst’s original orchestration with one on a part. This is how it should be heard.

[@bobobo77]

I like Minecraft

[@minjaejameskim8340]

Quite frankly one of the best wind orchestras in the world.

[@CorvetteCoonass]

+Minjae James Kim Yep definitely. Up there with the Dallas Wind Symphony for sure.

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

Yep, quite frankly, they are Minjae. And from thie American a total pleasure to listen to any time!

[@artin80]

Music knows no boundaries. Music has always existed and everyone loves it. Making music together is the most beautiful thing there is: no battle, war, but peace and enjoyment together. Greetings from me from the Netherlands.

[@brianmorrison6593]

I've never seen a conductor who holds his musicians in such high regard...

[@MrBochawa]

you're wrong for that.

[@purinpurin1959]

1:31 as a clarinet player who had to play this for band class my heart goes out to those who actually played that and didn’t fake it the whole time

[@brandonm7952]

PurinPurin As one of the only three clarinets in my band, i assure you we couldn’t fake it. Really easy hear any of the clarinets drop out 💀

[@purinpurin1959]

Brandon M, lmao good job bruh, I think only 3 out of 8 of us could actually do it all the way

[@stickfigureinternational8972]

I spent no joke multiple hours on this part and was the only guy who could play this out of the 6 clarinets in the band (I’m sad cause I really liked this piece), I got moved up a band and couldn’t play this because I was now working on even harder music, the band I was in lost the only clarinet player who could play this confidently. When they preformed this they had only one guy able to play this just in time.

[@maggiewatson5548]

Bruh💀 you guys faked it

[@chaliboy-wf7ol]

its not that hard?

[@elizabethliu2182]

After the first movement id be so tempted to give them a standing ovation! An OUTSTANDING performance!! The best clarinet section I've heard and that's saying a lot

[@jacquelineschumacher8987]

I love a director who knows when he can trust his group. This director doesn't micromanage the music.

[@tflynn717]

never seen a conductor bring out that part at 9:54 like that. gosh damn this guy is good.

[@jabpoke]

Tom The Fennell recording on Telarc brings that out, also.

[@tflynn717]

Jeff Bowles ah yes and with the snare too, good call!

[@MrJIMBOB57]

+Tom you can really tell when someone has listened and learned...and what was at the top of the inside sleeve of Fennell's music folders? the word LISTEN...

[@paulalexander2928]

Good music knows no flag , no nation, no boundaries. It is of that , that touches the human heart. Well played Tokyo Kosei wind Orchestra. BRAVO!!!!

[@DragonHeart549]

I love how to piece gets the entire orchestra so into it. The First Suite in Eb is truly a masterpiece

[@BSBMteam]

The trombonist at 3:12 on the left looks like he remembered a funny joke but is trying not to laugh

[@00goop43]

That’s called the “embouchure of steel”. The bane of high notes everywhere.

[@loosekanen]

You know, when an ensemble is acting as a singular organism it can cause some folks to do weird things physically that they might not do otherwise. The players in this group are all obviously fundamentally excellent. But there is musical passage beyond the page and the stage. And it's fun to see that growth of interpretation like this. Flubs happen. But when singular expression takes over it's an amazing feeling from both the inside and out. Well done.

[@erichong3430]

wow, as a brass player i've always been a great fan of this piece. I've listen to lot of bands play this with many different interpretation, but this is something. Subtle variations everywhere. And these BLEND in tones. Superb.

[@jameslatimer4358]

Tatsuya Shimono is an outstanding conductor. His conducting style is distinct although often subtle. The movements of his baton through the Chaconne's flowing almost dirge-like center passage are nuances allowing symphony players freedom to interpret the music collectively. Notice that Shimono's arms are relatively short compared to other conductors, a feature that may create the illusion of shallow conducting movements. However, his use of a side-to-side sway through thematic passages full of counterpoint lines is fully symbolic of his ability to bring the richness of the music to a fulfillment. Also, remember that each musical ensemble responds most favorably to the resident conductor who has spent hours with the ensemble in rehearsals. It's somewhat a symbiotic relationship unique to that ensemble and its conductor.

[@mockingbirdanalog]

Anyone complaining about Shimono should watch Mravinsky conduct. He was minimalism in the extreme. A good conductor is there to shepherd his players. All the interpretation, during a concert, is by the musicians, not the baton, and is rehearsed. I can't stand flamboyance. It does more to distract.

[@jameslatimer4358]

Philip Holmes: I totally agree with your comments on flamboyant conductors. Musicians work their magic with minimal gestures. Thanks!

[@mockingbirdanalog]

rareblues78daddy I can send you three other recordings where the players don't move at the same time. These players are much more precise than the Eastman, Cleveland Winds or Dallas Wind Symphony recordings. The only problem with the playing is some pitch problems in the low brass. The brass section in general sounds just okay. I played this in High school and college and it's hard to play, with very angular jumps in very difficult parts of the brass range. It's not sloppy in a traditional sense. If you want to fault the playing, then do so. The conductor cannot play the instruments. He only makes them move at the same time.

[@Joelortiz15]

James Latimer lmao it is very interesting how you can read and go in depth with conducting i have never noticed that before and i can completely understand and agree with you

[@GypsyLeah]

Also he's totes adorbs.

[@epsilon280]

That second movement gives me goosebumps every time. I can't wait to play this in band!

[@davidsaelens9168]

This piece brings back wonderful memories when I was in the U. S. Army bands. These musicians are truly professionals. I loved listening to this You tube post. David Saelens from Rock Island, Illinois. 31 May 2018.

[@rhiannonmorton3663]

What did you play?

[@bambino100011]

Sad to say that watching this recording is the best thing about 2020..... 😞.

[@ChessMaster132431]

The best thing is watching Japanese bands now XD

[@ClhCgu45]

I come back to this video every couple of weeks. Literally the best rendition of the suite

[@calgarywino]

This is a very fine performance, I've played this suite for many years with various bands and this group made one of best recordings I have heard.

[@rhiannonmorton3663]

I know this is very late from when you made this comment but you wouldn't happen to have any advice for a middle school student who will be playing this piece?

[@okman-u1697]

Rhiannon Morton Same lol

[@Cecillet]

I have always liked the Eastman Wind Ensemble

[@PlanetCoop]

When someone asks me how life is 1:30

[@dorianellerbe7004]

Now, that's how you play with expression.

[@adamcollester2655]

It's how you play with concentration. Trust me, I'm a middle school percussionist; that's exactly how I look when I play :D

[@vindicatedrascal]

this comment should have won the internet.

[@sxmurai]

i finally agree for once

[@giuseppebastardi3605]

When Simeone you ghjijfd

[@marksweeten4092]

I find myself watching this all the time. Been watching it every few weeks for over a year now. Love it ❤️

[@mattparks8434]

This one of my favorite pieces to play as a trumpet player in my high school symphonic band. What a beautifully played and beautifully conducted performance.

[@bobnrainy]

Top drawer! Probably the best rendition on earth!

[@BrossardLife]

That was perfect! I am very moved by this wind orchestra! Wow!

[@Normantnt]

My high school band of Baker High in Columbus, Ga. played this for festival in 1970. Thank you Tokyo Kosei wind orchestra for your very fine performance of music that was special for me long ago. Your playing of this wonderful piece of music moved me to tears.

[@LukeShalz]

What a MASTERFUL performance! Tatsuya Shimono has truly brought honor to Holst's legacy! The interpretation is so nuanced. Too often pieces have such varying character from one section to the next, and yet the conductor/ensemble seem to treat each with the same attitude. Contrary to that paradigm though, this performance treats each section with such nuance and awareness for each's purpose within the broader context of the movement. The color range is stunning! This performance truly takes you on a journey through the suite, from start to finish. I am so grateful to have heard this performance.

[@malkolmlind8598]

What a fantastic conductor! He's got everything. Good phrasing, good contact with the orchestra and found a great balance between the instruments. Truly brings out the potential of this piece! Bravo to the musicians as well. Wonderful playing!

[@8greateight8]

Wow, that first trumpet player, amazing

[@paulgarnham2770]

An excellent rendition, 3rd movement one of the best I've heard, the clarinets were really enjoying it,and were showing it in the closing bars~ very well done indeed!

[@artin80]

Grandiose compositie van Holst. Typisch Holst in zijn accoorden, samenspel, soli. Eén en ander geweldig van opbouw. Geweldig. Dit orkest en dirigent verdient ook een pluim, vanwege de juiste interpretatie.

[@paulgarnham2770]

Brilliant, a great performance of an epic piece of music, and the luxury of two Eb clarinets~ superb!

[@orca3413]

i love it so much im the only Eb player in my band and i wish we had another

[@richardstone5813]

I played Eb clarinet in the Raf Central Band in the 70s and had the honour to perform the 2 suites conducted by the composers daughter, Imogen Holst. As for these performances, Bravo! technically competent playing and sensitive assured conducting. Bravo to you all.

[@whatsernaamee]

5:05

[@allenr10000]

Having played this piece a number of times, I can't imagine a better performance than this. Superb instrumentalists and a wonderful conductor.

[@chrisbaker2903]

I love the performance, it's the best I've found so far, but I would hate trying to play for him with his little tiny movements sometimes. At that he's way better than a lot of the ones on here. I'd like to hear a performance of this by the woman who conducts an excellent version of Radetzky March by this orchestra and conductor. There's never any question about what she wants done. And you can tell she loves the music and loves to conduct. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6nMZX-Vja9nfbs

[@purehevol]

Huge turning point in my life as a young man ... This completely reinforced my love of music playing it in high school ..... This was my buzzer beater :)

[@artin80]

Grandiose vertolking van dit muziekstuk. Precies zoals de componist het bedoelde. Geweldig orkest die dit hier uitvoerde en natuurlijk de fantastische dirigent, die het muziek precies dirigeerde zoals de componist het bedoelde. Grote klasse.

[@joeheid2776]

I've played this piece 6 times with 6 different groups and it's still my favorite. Great performance!

[@chatbud]

omg, this is like yesterday. We used to play this in school. 6:07 I love the intermezzo part so much. I still have the 1st flute part somewhere!

[@wdashwor]

Splendid performance!

[@CharAznableMS14]

35年前にもなる高校時代を思い出します。

[@anthonydavies6021]

A brilliant performance that catches you in the spirit of the piece from the beginning and lifts you to a joyous finale. Thank you so much.

[@Richydoes]

I think this is a very good standard of musicianship. My opinion is that of someone who spent 10 years in the Central Band of the RAF in the 1970's and played/recorded this piece and the second suite under the Conductorship of Imogen Holst (Gustav's daughter). Well done!!

[@user-br9ch5tj8f]

0:00 第1楽章 5:00 第2楽章 7:45 第3楽章

[@danielburt9389]

Thrilling playing, thrilling conducting. What an ensemble! This is perhaps my new favorite performance of this piece!

[@artin80]

Very good registration of this recording. The director has taken great care in determining the recording. All praise for the direction and recording.

[@bkatbamna]

Great music, great musicians, great conductor, and great recording. Thank you for uploading.

[@hollywood9456]

I played this last year in my school Concert band all the memories a flooding back, it's such a great piece

[@mrman5066]

balance and blend are impeccable my gosh. also technical skill as well. brilliant band. hello from an American high school clarinetist

[@winstonelston5743]

This is an ensemble of talented musicians, well-rehearsed, giving an outstanding performance of a well-loved piece. Who were the 11 "dislikes"? I didn't see 11 unfavorable comments. If you "dislike", common courtesy is to provide constructive criticism.

[@Nicksudenga]

Winston Elston to be fair for a professional band those trumpets cracked one to many notes

[@TheDor311]

Ya they did miss a lot. And the intonation was everywhere in the brass. The conductor was confusing me a little in some spots

[@spiciestspeckofdust7844]

ngl on the internet there is no common courtesy

[@starwarsjunkie7777]

I'll tell you what. Basic intonation issues showing this is the world's most professional band that is OLD. Sometimes old people simply can't control their instruments. There are too many gaps between the phrases, plus the cymbal player at 1:40 at the climax produced such a little sound. It just sounds lifeless.

[@arthurfunk3104]

My kudos to the video director and crew, who hit most of the cues and we see the instruments taking their solos.

[@daleandrews3552]

This is a long time favorite of mine. Just a classy classic!

[@lokotasioux]

Excellent performance! Brings back memories of high school band.

[@CurtaCrazy]

Such beauty! Such mastery! Classical music of the highest order! - Pat

[@artin80]

Hele goede regie van de opname. Regisseur kent het stuk door en door, dus kwam het tot een fantastische registratie van deze uitvoering

[@brenda-leemiller1024]

I love how into it the clarinets are.

[@BrianBisetti]

Heck yeah! It’s a brilliantly-written clarinet part (I mean, it’s *all* brilliant) and so much fun to play!

[@pianoplayrpiano99]

Beautifully done! Played this in high school band. Thank you for the memories!

[@awesomesauce361]

3:27-4:52 has to be some of the best music ever to be written in history

[@toucanbot1905]

Thank you, i'm playing it right now... I guess i'll take that as a compliment.

[@toci8475]

I’m playing this for school 😅 I’m only in middle school lol

[@Doxsein]

Toucan Bot funny that you say thank you, as if you wrote the piece 😜

[@jjy4824]

I think you could even start that as early as 2:55

[@rogerknox9147]

Yes indeed! Seemingly plain chords that make my spine tingle!

[@Bullcityheel12]

One of, if not, my favorite pieces we played in high school. Just happened to pop in my head on the way to work this morning

[@TomGoldie]

Very nice! I like subtle trumpet accents during the clarinet phrase at 8:57-9:02. There were so many of these well-delivered accents! Nice work, all!!

[@arlette3272]

I listen to this at least once a day. It's been 2 years since.

[@emydiusmontesa2568]

amelodie 13 Really? I would get sick of it lol

[@brianmorrison3799]

I'm with you...I NEVER get tired of this piece...Bri

[@arlette3272]

@@emydiusmontesa2568 haha i actually stopped unintentionally, but here i am… again

[@emydiusmontesa2568]

@@arlette3272 Idk what I was thinking lmao I listen to this all the time and reminisce on how cool it felt playing it.

[@nishauprety9878]

I love this piece! My middle school is playing it and I love to hear the professional version!

[@kungfusushi]

1:30 that anticlimactic cut to the cymbals player though. also wish there was more of a snare presence during Chaconne to really complete the military band feel. still a superb performance, nonetheless.

[@OfHighStandingFilms]

The tenor sax player=chillest performer on stage

[@DennisJohnsonDrummer]

I conducted this with my high school band for contest back in the 80's. I always used the Fennell recording as a reference. What a great work.

[@lawrencegoudge4622]

Wow! What a wonderful performance. I hope our band does half as well this Saturday.

[@Tarudox]

Thank you to all the members of the ensemble who can produce such near-perfect music...

[@user-yy6ry1cc2v]

I really appreciate the intentionality of the trumpet section's choice to use cornets in some moments and trumpets in other moments. A subtle, beautiful detail.

[@amylu266]

This just leaves me speechless every time.

[@age0024]

一人ひとり、一つひとつの音が響いてきて、大好きな演奏です。

[@user-id1ci3bo1p]

高校生の時、隣の合唱の部活で練習しながら、門前の小僧の様に聴いて覚えた曲です。上手に説明は出来ませんが、懐かしさだけではなく、とても好きな曲です。

[@johnodonnell55]

What a super performance....well done...A credit all round..

[@megan8765]

chaconne always gets me. absolute chills.

[@CorvetteCoonass]

I love that they use the intended instrumentation as evidenced by the use of cornets instead of trumpets.

[@joenichols1958]

+CorvetteCoonass We did this song this year in high school Wind Ensemble with our student teacher. I would have loved for us to have used Cornets, but alas, none of us Trumpet players owned them. Also this band uses an Alto Horn instead of a French Horn.

[@iteinflammateomnia]

+Joe Nichols They have a section of four french horns, the intended orchestration. They have a baritone and a euphonium playing what I presume is the same part.

[@joenichols1958]

+SirRageAlot VII Oh I see. I mistook one of either the Baritone or Euphonium for an Alto Horn.

[@iteinflammateomnia]

Joe Nichols No worries.

[@JamsBrosOfficial]

They even went above and beyond and interpreted the March as a movement that would sound better on trumpets haha

[@themetr0gn0me]

9:39 I'm like, c'mon Mr Conductor, earn your keep! 9:58 I'm blown away :D

[@laneandfriendsmusic754]

Ahhh! Nobody ever mentioned it! The Trombone trio at 3:10 is amazing!

[@MimeticCouture]

the saxophone solo in #2 was great =)

[@user-go4dq1du9t]

This song really transports me back to when I was still in school. Makes me tear up a little. And it did back then too.

[@amylu266]

5:00 Listen to that crispy woodwind articulation

[@jisunator4880]

9:58 gives me chills

[@SlowedandReverbCEO]

This piece is gorgeous

[@lauraopper2571]

The orchestra members look like they're enjoying themselves, which adds to the audience's enjoyment.

[@joeheid2776]

Me and a few friends came up with a top 5 ranking of greatest and favorite pieces of music written for wind ensemble we've ever played. This is my #1.

[@albieh2563]

Me came up with a top 5..............

[@zainaraqs]

First heard this played by the high school band at All-State (when I was a part of the middle school band) and absolutely fell in love. I learned the clarinet parts by ear from listening to it. Then to my surprise, it was one of the pieces we played at my last concert in the All-District band, where I was first chair :) I will NEVER forget it!

[@tracymiller1149]

Great job! I love this piece.

[@saxpete]

wow a band made of the best musicians in each field..truely stunning.thx

[@f0bxluver717]

I absolutely loved playing this song in high school

[@davidbloss7863]

I'm playing euphonium on both of Holst's Suites with different bands, first on the 21st and then on 26th of May. Don't think the music directors colluded on the programs, just a fortunate coincidence. If you play brass, you LOVE these pieces!

[@yeti4269]

Definitely a bucket list performance to see.

[@user-of5fn9fy1o]

00:03 シャコンヌ 05:01 間奏曲 07:45 行進曲

[@zainaraqs]

This version was different, and I loved the smoothness and perfection. They didn't miss a note, and the tempo was spectacular on the 3rd movement! I am impressed!

[@brassman2468]

First performance I've seen of this piece that uses an actual baritone. It definitely adds something.

[@rikspector]

I play Clarinet with the North Cascades Concert Band and The Tokyo Kosei is the group to emulate. It's not a large Orchestra but every musician is superb. There sound is so smoothly linear that it's almost like singing.

[@JEWong47]

In the 11 years this video has been up, I don't know why I hadn't found it til today

[@dogwoodservicesinc.2972]

First serious piece of music I ever played. Loved it it then and these guys did a magnificent job. Using the Fred Fennell arrangement too. Outstanding!

[@Karinholmgren1]

Thay being said they are the fabric by which all great bands are measured by.

[@michaelwisbey488]

Excellent. I am playing this later today and love this version; superb musicianship.

[@Diamonddogusa]

This conductor did a marvelous job. Such a deceptively hard piece to do well.

[@katiepowell128]

the conductor is just so graceful with his gestures

[@edwinroberts2025]

I directed this Suite with a 9th grade band. They loved it!

[@rhiannonmorton3663]

My middle school band will be playing this piece this year would you happen to have any advice for a beginning Hornist?

[@lawrencebarley2353]

Each time hearing this, is like the first....