Gustav Holst

Vocation

Notable

English composer, pianist and trombonist who is remembered for his orchestral suite "The Planets," written between 1914-18, and his operas, including "The Perfect Fool." From the age of 31, he served as the musical director of an all girl's school up until his death. He was born into a musical family and studied piano, trombone and composition. His mom died when he was seven and his dad was remarried four years later to a woman who was a Theosophist. Meeting were held regularly in his home, exposing him to a broad range of philosophical concepts. Deeply influenced, he saw music as his dharma (path). As a young man he worked as a freelance trombonist on sea-side piers and in traveling orchestras as well as copying scores for other musicians. At 29, he began to teach, and for the rest of his life, composition was relegated to his spare time. Holst died of heart failure following an operation on his ulcer on 25 May 1934 in London, England. He was 59. Link to Wikipedia biography