Customer Reviews

The Planets in Full Score (Dover Music Scores)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Clean, clear, large print, handsome edition of this well known and loved classic. Lists instrumentation on every page (some editions don't list the score instrumentation except for the first page. This often makes score study [especially big orchestral works like this or R. Strauss] very hard to read).

Great price as well.

If you want to unlock the music of The Planets, it's all right here. I have found this score both useful for learning firsthand compositional technique and for gaining a greater appreciation for the work as a whole.

This score is a must have for any musician. The well written score dives into one of the best suites of the century. The Planets rocks.

The Planets is Holst's masterpiece. It was an epic undertaking, both in size and orchestration, and is hugely influencial on many classical pieces today. Perhaps it was his unique and detailed orchestration that made this work stand out the most. It only takes one look at Dover's wonderful release of the full score to fully realize how monumental it was and to better appreciate it. Holst used every instrument in the orchestra effectively and masterfully integrated them into the piece. Even Rimsky-Korsakov, the master of orchestration, lacks the ingenuity and creativity Holst used with the orchestra in this one. This piece was way beyond of its time and, therefore, I strongly recommend it as a staple to any classical music listener's collection. By looking at it, you'll appreciate the piece much more than you did before and for orchestration fanatics like myself, you won't find any better score in terms of orchestral complexity. It's fun just following along with the piece.

What more can be said about Holst's masterpiece "The Planets" which has not already been said been? To be sure, the music is a work of genius; therefore, I wish to comment more about the quality of Dover's printed score. This publication is a quality product. The engraving is primo (a reproduction of the 1921 Goodwin & Tabb Ltd. original); it is easily legible, accurate, and looks wonderful. Obviously, the original engravers were at the top of their game on this one, and Dover has done a terrific job of transferring the plates; it's as clean as one could wish for in an affordable study score. Even in soft-cover, the binding is durable and the pages lay flat. The inclusion of a commentary or brief analysis would have been a welcome addition, but that is a very small gripe against an otherwise fantastic publication. I give it my highest recommendation.

I went through this score several times with multiple recordings and it is to the tee. All the movements are in the book, in concert order, the score was written out in the proper key. If you're trying to find a score for the Planets, This is the one without having to buy the actual performance score.

This Dover score presents everything in a clear and easy-to-read way even though Holst wrote some interesting things that are difficult to notate by ear! The score does open up a new world - listening to it and reading/watching the score are two different things. I was completely unaware of Holst's gigantic forces and his wonderful orchestration that is present in the score.

There's no see through on the pages (and where there is, it is only minimal). Main languages are English and Italian terms. For an 80-year old score, it's pretty impressive and in very good condition. A very good buy I must say for $10 - my friend had to pay close to $70 for her copy (both of which are exactly the same). A great bargain!

This work is incredible - a must-listen for ALL music lovers! If you enjoy score-study, this is a classic piece. I have used it in teaching my Drum Major (conducting) students about time-signature changes and in creating routines for both conducting and mace work. Exhilerating!!!!!!

-Amanda H. Shelburne Drum Major Instructor, MS

Holst "The Planets" is a great addition to any music library. This particular copy is beautiful and precise, not to mention easy to read. The paper is also easy to write on so it's perfect for study. I highly recommend this score to anybody who's serious about a future in music.

I have recieved my score for the planets suite and this score is just what I wanted. The book is about A4 size and is very easy to hold, read and handle. The print size is fine for studying the score or just scanning while you listen. I am very happy with my score.