Gustav Holst's first excursion into music for band (known as "military band" at the time) was composed in 1909. Despite there being very little standardization of the instruments and number of players used in such ensembles, Holst managed to score his three-movement work in a very flexible way so that the work could be played by an ensemble with as few as 19 wind and brass players, plus percussion. Although the occasion and ensemble which motivated the work's creation remain obscure, the 'First Suite' became tremendously popular in the years after its first publication in 1921. With the...

Holsts popular suite was named for the St. Pauls Girls School of Hammersmith, London - where he was the music director from 1904 until his death thirty years later. Composed in 1912 as a token of gratitude for the installation of a sound-proof teaching studio. Holst composed this and nearly all subsequent works in this studio. Now available in a newly-engraved, easy-to-read score edited by Richard Sargeant.

Dedicated to James Causley Windram, Holsts second suite inspired by English folk music was composed in 1911. The folk tunes quoted include "Glorishears", "Swansea Town", "Claudy Banks", "Ill Love My Love", "The Dargason" and "Greensleeves". Based upon the composers manuscript and the first edition of 1922, this new edition by Richard Sargeant - beautifully engraved at an affordable price in a convenient size - will be much appreciated by bands and wind ensembles, students, and admirers of Holsts unique music worldwide.