Holst: Second Suite for Military Band in F major Op.28-2

NHK Symphony Orchestra Wind Section
Cond: Shigeo Genda

[@torrita01]

For study purposes: i-0:04 ii-4:47 iii-7:14 iv-8:32

[@aaronl_94]

Taco Tavern LOL

[@jakesizer6483]

Are you jesus?

[@9sunstar9]

Thank you!

[@bariton3779]

lowkey the most useful comment ever

[@mihaelgotal204]

Thanks man

[@Elricfonfabre12]

My friend once told me..."music is black and white, waiting for us to add color to it" This piece of music was so beautiful...and colorful :)

[@douglasmullen8307]

Yes it was very colorful

[@emmajohnson3323]

Omg! Can I quote you? That is just so perfect!

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

oh, I like that. I will use that in the few years I have left. thanks

[@LuizBHMG]

Wtf?!? Sorry, but it's a really non-sense affirmation… People tend to like quotes and poetry they don't understand because so, they feel more intelligent. But some of them really make no sense.

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

That is well put. Simple and totally true.

[@doubleredsx3]

My compliments to the euphonium player!

[@leeyokechan949]

PenneDenne endless of smart & efficient practise

[@jakesizer6483]

I love the solo, but his hand position on the valves trigger me

[@jkkay477]

The faceless euphonium player!

[@rickpresley63]

As a French Horn player in high school band, we always got that part. Not sure if I like the euphonium having it (even though he does a great job).

[@iefybwkeyf.kbjfy.9870]

Rick Presley it’s written for euphonium

[@caydab1]

When Holst Suites are performed well, there is not much that can compare.

[@emmajohnson3323]

100% agreed

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

Man, you got that right. It brings back memories. This wind band kicks it, don't they.

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

I very much agree about the Holst Suite.

[@tracymiller1149]

I agree. Especially with a great baritone player like that.

[@herbertmarshal]

Craig Britton 1p0 uhh

[@jamesmainwaring7557]

My wife’s grandmother had Holst as her music teacher in London St Paul’s school for girls. I’m still in awe even as a professional musician!!! Lovely playing by the whole band.

[@GregBrownsWorldORacing]

How awesome! Holst wrote Band music!!! I played for a week under Frederick Fennell when I was 14 in 1974. Fennell was a bass drummer in a band Sousa conducted, who also wrote a lot of band music. We may be the last generations connected to these greats in the field of symphonic band.

[@allwinds3786]

​@@GregBrownsWorldORacing there's a legend that Sousa's bass drummer could play a melody on the bass drum, I now believe it.

[@fatcat1325]

As a tuba player I absolutely loved this piece, there was so much wonderful writing for us 😁 after 40 years, I can still hum my part.

[@ACagedBird364]

This song is that old!? I’m about to play this in a concert in a few weeks or months. We have yet to practice the whole song but I find myself humming everyone’s part. It just sounds that good.

[@fatcat1325]

@@ACagedBird364 haha yes holst died in 1934

[@TheZenarck]

I played snare for it, I will never forget it, very memorable, and very well written

[@theSupra577]

I played euphonium for this piece at an honor band earlier this year. I was not first chair so i didnt get the solos but it is still my favorite piece that i have ever played. well done.

[@Persillebalzm]

@@ACagedBird364 Typically copyright notices at the bottom of the chart give an indication to the age of the piece. But then there are re-arrangements.

[@UnpleasantChuck]

I find it fascinating that this piece is still being played and appreciated. My high school band played this 50 years ago, and who knows how long it had been performed prior to that? At any rate, I love this performance and the fact that technology exists to capture the sights and sounds, and deliver them to us for free over the internet. A+ for the entire effort. Love this suite!

[@TheJamesinator102]

Yeah this piece was written sometime around 1920 if I'm not mistaken. Still extremely popular.

[@iun1904]

it's a timeless piece of music

[@UnpleasantChuck]

***** Hello, Leilani! Back at the time, I played trombone. But I gave that up when I graduated high school. I still play music though -- on guitar, bass & a little keyboards. Nothing more than a hack musician, but I enjoy it.

[@nedhooley3763]

We performed it only today... good to know it's been a piece appreciated for a long time, it's very enjoyable to play and listen to.

[@ChollieD]

I played it high school in 1985. Hard to find more fun on the tuba than this.

[@addy9768]

The smile on the director's face at the end-this is what music is.

[@shmeo7031]

And at 0:46 after he cues the cymbals!

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

As a former Army bandsman, I recall this piece with great fondness. We never sounded this good! Great job, all of you!

[@bradenblazewilson]

Damn, I've listened to this Suite so many times over, but never have I heard a molto ritardando added in such as the one at 10:34. I feel that this tiny addition adds so much to the climax of the entire piece, as the horns slowly swell to a fortissimo, and the woodwinds slow their speedy eight notes to a near halt, only to be set back to full tempo in the next measure. It all makes the already great climax that much more impactful

[@unionbaynappingsociety5960]

Right?? Now it's weird when I listen to any other recording and don't get to hear this.

[@rayfarr423]

But why take the music half speed for two bars? A total distortion.

[@nikkiilomax8196]

Loved that also…I went, wait…what????!!! Played it over and over just to hear that part. Bravo!

[@MichaelAlexander1967]

Isn't it all just so amazing and wonderful!?

[@zacharyliles8657]

@@nikkiilomax8196 I just did the same! I was literally knocked back in my chair when I first heart it!!

[@ikuokitamura3175]

やはりこのN響の演奏はわかりやすくて聞きやすい。プロならではの明快な好演。アップありがとうございます。

[@EIGdesign]

At about 5 minutes, the oboe and clarinet double -- perfectly in tune -- in a gorgeous melancholic melody. So sweet.

[@IanSutton-gl1fi]

This an extremely excellent version of the Second Suite. Holst's music was largely ignored by professional ensembles while he was still alive, even The Planets. He died in 1934 at 70. NHK Symphony is exceptional in virtually all music.

[@davewvu1]

I can still remember this piece from playing it in high school symphonic band 46 years ago. I pulled out my clarinet and ran the fingerings for it. It's amazing how I can remember a piece of music from my teenage years, but I can't remember why I went into the kitchen this morning.

[@TommyH1975]

crazy fingerings for us clarinetists! loved this piece! can still hum my part

[@beflat_trumpeter]

Japanese bands are something else. Not sure how much remixing went into this excellent recording, but I remember hearing TKWO live for first time and was absolutely blown away by their balance and control.

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

I just get choked up realizing that music is a universal language. All these great band pieces being played all over the world and people enjoying playing and listening to them. That is music at its best.

[@robertmartz2201]

I want to say a big thank you to this band. I just played it at my high school band concert, and I can positively say that I rocked the euphonium solo because of my hours of listening to this recording. Thanks again so much for this video!

[@joer3481]

Congrats to you sir....the Euphonium voice is haunting and wonderful.:-)

[@adelineinactivity]

Nice work man, our instrument is so under-appreciated.

[@Mclovinmilfsthatsforsure]

THATS SO AWESOME!! I wish to play this piece somewhere in college or right now, my journey as a euphonium player is rough

[@geroldgerold7319]

i played this my freshman year, 2nd year on euph and completely fracked the high g and was never allowed to live it down

[@screamingmario8592]

I loved playing these solos!! Listening to this helped me sound so much better

[@aleioregonsteel2032]

You really can find everything on youtube. Too many years ago, our high school band played this piece almost to perfection and placed in a national competition with it. The only place I've heard this since is in my memories until I decided to see if just maybe someone had put it on youtube. Pretty amazing hearing it again after all these years.

[@mockingbirdanalog]

This is just about perfect. Very calm and laid back, or British. Terrific timbre and precision. It's first rate.

[@thomaslehmanbaritone]

It's the best recorded version. The Euphonium solos alone dictate that.

[@yeti4269]

The tuba part in this is phenomenal. The nostalgia of freshman year and playing this is unreal.

[@1967razorback]

Gotta be a horse to play that part!

[@yeti4269]

Oh the final like 35 measures were death at only being 14, but now they are fine.

[@TheJamesinator102]

Agreed. It's nice to see moving lines and counterpoint written for us. Add to that that the suite as a whole is just plain awesome.

[@Insanonaga]

I played a tuba quartet version of this song. The highest it gets is a C above the staff in first tuba, and the lowest it gets is a pedal Bb in the second tuba.

[@yeti4269]

Like sub pedal E to where it's almost non existent?

[@leslie52732]

Beautiful euphonium solos!

[@Kay61306]

This may be the best live performance of this piece, absolutely flawless‼️

[@cftdd]

IMHO one of the best recordings of this.

[@JohnToner320]

Boomers were playing this music before Gen Xers or Millennials were even ejaculated.

[@james_subosits]

@@JohnToner320 I just spit out my drink. Thank you.

[@melchiorvulpius4799]

A great version - very precise and balanced - a really rich sound from the clarinet section - the euphonium player is wonderful. Also, that's quite a pompadour on the bari sax player!

[@allwinds3786]

i think this should be considered the reference recording!

[@ryans6741]

This piece is crazy... listening to it again (particularly the last movement) gives me such nostalgia. I played it my sophomore year of high school and was only 2nd trombone, but I vividly remembering listening to the principal trombonist (a senior who had learned Euphonium entirely on his own for the sake of this piece) crack out those solos was breathtaking. It will always have a place in my heart.

[@annreid8531]

That’s the charm of it. You weren’t ONLY 2nd trombone, but rather a significant part of the wonderful low brass choir that Holst planned and executed.

[@iiiSK8orDI3iii]

Here for highschool band nostalgia also 👌

[@ZealouZ-0]

Freshman here who just played 2nd trombone. My school just performed this about 2 days ago, and I have to say that this has to be one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever played.

[@carolineblisslarsen4396]

One of my favorite things I ever played in high school band. And the euphonium solo in the first movement is just fabulous. (And I'm not even a euphonium player. ;)

[@amaionnaise]

amazing performance!!!! Everyone is so talented!!!!

[@yeetstreetUSA]

One of the best recordings I have ever heard of Holst's second suite!

[@patrickgiles6903]

Brohansan same

[@betaomega04]

I don't know who's down-voting this because they sound absolutely fantastic!

[@TheSDATuba39]

Did anyone else notice that at 2:23 someone went low and it contrasted the tubas really well as we’re in the upper. I think it was either the contrabass clarinet or the string bass who did that. It sounded great for a quick little hit for you to notice

[@String___Bass]

0:04 I. March ( 1:56 Trio) 4:46 II. Song Without Words, "I'll Love My Love" 7:14 III. Song of the Blacksmith 8:31 IV. Fantasia on the "Dargason"

[@biguglidowns]

As a young brass musician, Holst's military suites were always test pieces, and part of our regular concert repertoire. In most bands I played for we were always lacking in euphonium/baritone. So, as lead trombonist, I got to double up on a number of soloes. I still love listening to the euphonium solo in the first movement. One of my favourite parts.

[@brendanhutchins]

Played this in high school, I love how the second half of the first movement sounds like a pirate song. It's been close to 7 years but I still hum the tune to myself. Same with Dargesson. Also I wish our euphonium players sounded like that!

[@Belfreyite]

Yes, mine too. Great that Holst uses Euphonium so much and a shame other classical composers eschew such. There's something homely, reassuring and earthy about the Euph that no French Horn, Wagner Tuba or Trombone can equal.

[@billyjohnson2635]

Excellent job. I am continually impressed by Asian wind ensembles. You guys rock.

[@beneyweneys]

Try listening to Asian orchestras. When you have 100 child prodigies who have been practicing for almost their entire lives (some since 3-4), perfecto.

[@peterwhitehead2858]

This is the most brilliant performance of this classic I have ever heard. Wonderful band!!

[@awyscarver178]

Amazing performance from both the entire symphony AND the euphonium player! His movements are smooth as butter

[@allwinds3786]

My dear wife, my soul mate, died 6 months ago, listening to this gets up and cleaning with one hand practicing cornet with the other. I listened to this very recording for the 1st time I waited at O'Hare for her to arrive from Gorgonzola. I hadn't seen her since '78, we both knew

[@thejetpackwaffle9815]

The fourth movement makes me feel like life is worth living. It’s so pretty it gives me so much joy.

[@jeanantrim662]

I played this Suite,(1st flute and Piccolo) under Frederick Fennell, and I know he would be proud of this rendition, altho in the faster moverments we played them a bit more Briskly!! Anyone who played in his groups knows he would stretch the tempo when possible!! Jean Antrim

[@CSeanLovell]

Thanks for sharing, Jean!

[@dairyking2479]

Thanks for sharing, Jean!

[@dairyking2479]

Thanks for sharing, Jean!

[@richardstone5813]

I also played both suites (Raf Central Band, Principal Eb Clarinet) conducted by Imogen Holst in the 70s. I tend to agree a slightly brighter tempo gives the faster sections more colour.....FF seemed sometimes in his recordings to be very exuberant with regard to tempi....especially Percy Grainger compositions.

[@baucums]

Based on the info that this was the wind section of a symphony orchestra, my thought process compared this to the recording of Fennell and the Cleveland Symphonic Winds.

[@rhythm.devine]

まるで楽譜通り演奏してるだけですって言いたげだけど、とんでもない演奏ですよ。

[@josuesancho6202]

I’m in love with the last movement. The melody passing through different textures so seamlessly is so satisfying.

[@TheMarcHicks]

I adore the 4th movement. Difficult to play (with its mixture of compound & single time) but such a gorgeous sound.

[@henryrichter2714]

My high school played this piece and the 4th movement was by far my favorite!

[@archangel5758]

oh I know Ive only ever sight read this before this year but I had forgotten how difficult that section is (I'm solo euph in my band) if you don't have a strong euph group for this, make them strong, because the band(rehearse them/soloist during sectional tine if you must) deserves to play this, it's so beautiful.

[@sophiabondi5794]

+Marcus Hicks The fourth movement is so powerful!! I love it so much.

[@airborne5927]

+Katy Small Yeah, that was my thought as well when I played it as a sophomore. Don't let that deter you, though

[@rubic6222]

Disorbed if I remember correctly its only 3rd and 4th horn haha I played 1st horn in this song last year RIP

[@Cecillet]

This is a fine playing band of musicians. Love the conductor. He is right on point.

[@SirWinstonBeech]

I played this in high school spring of 72, my first quarter in senior band - as an upstart freshman. So many memories. This is the best performance of it I’ve ever heard.

[@JeremyPickett]

I have been a Hoslt enthusiast for decades. This rendition made me burst off my chair at the end with a gosh-darn tear in my eye. I say this with the utmost respect and care, this version just out Englished the English :D Faultless my friends. Now what in the heck do I get a sub-contra bass clarinet like that beast of an instrument.

[@IloveChrome846]

The tone of the Euphonium, here showcased with exquisite rendering, seems rather a merging between the mid tonal range of the Horn and the like register of the Trombone. The 1st Movement presented in this classic Holst Suite, evokes from myself memories of High School Band. I performed upon the Contra Bass Clarinet while my brother was the Euphonium player. The passages whereupon both listed instruments play, ultimately created a duet between my younger brother and I. We both still refer to this 2nd Suite with the fondest of memories.

[@anonym0usplatypus]

That Euphonium part is amazing, great job

[@richardmccurdy5481]

Wonderful performance of one of the greatest pieces ever written for band. Very moving.

[@philipem1000]

Who on earth found a reason to give this a thumbs down... :( Beautiful, sublime peace, and an amazing rendition.

[@alandaiello7268]

I get chills from the molto ritardando Shigeo Genda adds at the start of the second "Greensleeves" motif in mov.4 "Fantasia on the Dargason"! It is such an excellently timed moment and his style really brings out the best in the music!

[@saffron200]

Quite superb! Magnificent music magnificently played! And my compliments to the euphonium player in the first movement.

[@jillianmcgovern9346]

I played this piece last year with my mostly freshman high school band, and while we weren't anywhere close to anything like this we did really well considering the difficulty. I even had the saxophone solo in Movement 2 and 4!

[@たいち-c3b]

齋藤先生さすがすぎる… 改めてウィルソンのユーフォの魅力を感じました…

[@johnhambone1772]

Bravo...I play clarinet and we played this piece before but not like this band. I am older now but wish I could hear this band in person. This is the best performance I have found by any wind ensemble. They are so good and awesome...well done!!!

[@johnries5593]

The advantage/disadvantage of hearing something you've performed before is that it's easy to pick out your own part. My complements to the euphonist; he did a great job.

[@705rilakkuma]

ユーフォのソロ素晴らし過ぎですね！

[@mktmob-1982jp]

カメラの向きで、顔が見えないのが残念。。。

[@alextrujillo9400]

Yup totally agree

[@nukunukumaximum9174]

Alex Trujillo 侍ブラス等でもご活躍の斎藤充さんかと

[@侑-n7p]

@@nukunukumaximum9174 1:37で見てみたら斎藤充さんであってますよ！ しかも楽器もよく見たらウィルソンでしたし。

[@吉田理恵子-b5j]

I like Holst's melody. His melody have something nostalgia.

[@archangel5758]

I agree :)

[@archangel5758]

I also quite enjoy Hammersmith :)

[@swinger9374]

You just got the word I kept searching for in my brain!

[@SuperOrgandonor]

He also uses folk songs masterfully.

[@nativetigers9310]

I remember when I played this at my college.. I had the euphonium solo and i didn't play it NEARLY as well as that dude.. HE'S A GOD

[@adamzyl]

The finest recording on KZbin of one the finest pieces of music. What an amazing performance, from the exemplary euphonium solo on down.

[@gilhams]

Talk about milking the rit at 10:35 - but a great rendition of this piece; one of the best I've heard.

[@bassoprimo]

It startled me so much I almost fell off my seat!

[@ehess1492]

It was too much. Blemished an otherwise excellent performance.

[@rilke1791]

It felt more rallentando tbh, still a phenomenal performance, just a little jarring

[@ksmksm8791]

N響の吹奏楽一味違いますね。流石です。

[@allwinds3786]

this has to be one of the best,. most dynamic recordings of this ever. just when I thought there was nothing more to say about this piece!

[@mrmoofle]

Played tuba on this in 11th grade in HS symphonic band, again in 12th grade at county band festival, and again the following year in university symphonic band. Well done performance. I remember my college symphoc band director combing an auto junkyard for just the right brake drum to use as the "anvil."

[@nayhem]

The second theme has been an earworm of mine for years. Finally struck gold when the local station had it in its playlist. Should've figured it was a Holst.

[@tonybarrand4420]

Holst at his loveliest. Thanks you.

[@SM-xl7vs]

Very cute piccolo in the end.. this bring back heaps of my teenage year memory as a marching band flute player... wow.. I miss my band..

[@mas.m5585]

曲がいい、プレイヤーがいい…そして現田先生カッコいい！

[@elrondsch]

Unbelievable performance. If only I had a chance to conduct such a great orchestra!

[@andilarsen1010]

i played this in high school and as a euphonium player, i never got many solos, but holy shit i remember being so happy when we got this song. first time i played the solo correctly my classmates clapped and thats honestly one of my best high school experiences :)

[@ParkertheBarker21]

I have this song as my high school auditions next week and I have been waiting for a song with a euphonium solo. But I am having trouble with the high notes (It sounds horrible) hope for the best.

[@raymondstevenson12]

Best performance that I've heard ,wonderful

[@jaritaxman3641]

Holst is quickly becoming my favorite...

[@右高弘明]

あまの吹奏楽団でトロンボーンを吹いていましたが、やはりクラシック音楽の有名作曲家が作る曲だけに第一組曲とともに聴いても吹いても優れた曲だと実感した。この演奏もすっきりとひきしまり、メリハリがあり、抑制された美しさがある。さすが日本のトッププロの演奏。個人的にユーフォのソロのメロディが好きで、同じ音域のトロンボーンを吹いていたので、この部分を写譜し、よく吹いていた。なつかしい。それにしてもイギリス民謡の哀愁漂うメロディやハーモニーが日本人の郷愁を誘うのはなぜだろうか。アイルランド民謡しかり。

[@waynewilliams3339]

Top quality! Center pitch right on!musicianship, precision. Phrasing,.and the TUBAS! Can you believe that I'm a tubist?

[@nelsonutella]

Nice! Thanks for sharing! It's by far the best recording of Second Suite.

[@bobanderson8886]

Best rendition of this by a symphonic wind orchestra l think l have ever heard.

[@littlewillie65]

Like many commenters here, I too played this in High School (French horn player). While it was not exactly easy to learn, it does seem to fit in with the abilities of the average high school band. And yet, here on KZbin, more often than hot I see performances that seem very high school band in their competence. I know we weren't great at it, but I was spoiled by the import LP I bought of Fredrick Fennel and the Eastman Wind Ensemble. This video is the only one that comes close (I think the ritard near the end of the fourth movement was a little much). Despite that, it is easily the best performance of this you will find on KZbin.

[@trackgrad08]

I use to play the 1st clarinet part in this song. It's been over 20 years since I played this score and I still know every note. I was in an advanced band, school of the arts playing this in junior high!

[@csconnor5160]

I still stand by that the dargason is the greatest movement of any piece literally ever

[@rebeltuba9422]

That may be the best performance of any band piece I've ever heard.

[@kanchan109]

Great Band and conductor! Amazing! This is the best I've ever herad. Bravo!!!

[@robertmarsh3588]

Lovely. Well interpreted and executed. I've performed this piece many times in my now 50 years of playing trombone and this is as good as I've heard live.

[@smcc2524]

Music really is the Universal Language.

[@nathansquires444]

I’m a Junior (A Senior once my summer break is over) I’m a Bari Sax player in my High school’s Wind Ensemble. I’ve played this piece twice during my High school Career so far. This is hands down, the most phenomenal performance I have heard with this specific piece. It was executed very well and the blend this ensemble has is immaculate. It makes me happy to see this piece being played just about in every ensemble. I can safely say that is one of my most favorite pieces of music literature out there.

[@UndrALuvSpl86]

I'm a Bari too! I played this in school.

[@RDesselle]

Bassoon guy, here! Can’t beat Holst’s harmonies!

[@mattstough3614]

Remember playing this 5 years ago back when I was in HS wind ensemble, beautiful piece and super fun to play. We played this for our competition piece and received the highest rating possible.

[@massmanute]

Great performance, especially the euphonium solo in the first movement. I love a good band concert! It's interesting that this band has both cornets and trumpets.

[@chrisbaker2903]

I played this as a 9th grader in the county concert band which my music instructor, Mr. Robert Barnum invited me to audition for after playing the horn for one semester in 8th grade and was accepted. I've enjoyed it ever since. I woke up this morning with it running through my head for whatever reason so I had to come here and listen to it again. I've listened to this rendition many times and I'm surprised I couldn't find any of my previous comments. Meh, not important. What's important is that this is a great rendition by an underrated composer who's music should be played more often.

[@cheyrobertson5548]

4th movement is my favorite. We played this my senior year in high school. 😩😍 Still gives me chills.

[@walterdemontrond1121]

The best performance of Holst's second I have ever heard

[@pamela111555]

I love this so much. What a great piece to play. I was so lucky to have the opportunity in NH All-State back in the early 90's. Probably one of my favorite performances!

[@robertmcqueen289]

Wonderful performance by this wind ensemble of a wind music classic. Wonderful playing by the euphonium, soloists and the Sub Contra Bass Clarinet. Well done.

[@9sunstar9]

One of my favorite pieces. I can always come back to this performance and I never get bored of it. This rendition is always fun to listen to

[@limdongcheol]

Excellent euphonium solo!!!

[@davidbloss7863]

I'm playing euphonium on both Holst Suites, one on 21 May and one on 26 May with two different bands. Don't think the Music directors colluded with each other. All brass players love Holst!

[@ab-zg8pt]

Best I've ever heard of this suite.

[@Belfreyite]

I don't know whether it's tacky or out of fashion, but hearing this makes me proud to be English.

[@garyreid6165]

Great performance! Bravo! The euphonium player was terrific!😎🎷❤👍

[@Mob-tq7gv]

My symphonic band (honors band in my school) which I'm in is playing this as part of our spring concert and I really like it so far.

[@thatboydio]

In my freshman year I got into the top band and we played this. Very buetiful piece, I really enjoy how all the voices come together.

[@Cecillet]

I have played this many times in various bands I was a part of. Love the piece. So much fun to play.