Second Suite in F, Op 28, No. 2 H. 106 (Revised) - Concert Band

Suite No. 2 in F, Op. 28 No. 2, H. 106

for Concert Band

Excerpts below are used by permission of GIA Publications, Inc and are from "Teaching Music through Performance in Band - Volume 1"

The Second Suite in F is longer in duration and considerably more difficult...than Holst's First Suite in E-flat. Where the three-movement First Suite is based on original melodies, this four-movement work is based on collected folk music. Written in 1911, it was not premiered until eleven years later, and was revised by the composer. This work and Holst's First Suite...stand as hallmarks in band history among the earliest original, non-march compositions for the emerging modern concert band. After a dearth of over two centuries, they also represent a renaissance of important English music, notably initiated by Elgar, and a school of English nationalism along with Vaughan Williams, Delius, Butterworth, Sharp, and Grainger, both of which led in rediscovering the folk music of the British Isles.

The Second Suite also hints at Holst's interest in mysticism and astrology and his trait for haunting melodies and scoring - most noted in his best-known composition for orchestra, The Planets, and best seen in the text for the second movement, "Song Without Words: I'll Love My Love." Holst rescored the last movement, "Fantasia on 'The Dargason,'" in 1912 for his students at the St. Paul's Girls' School as the final movement of his St. Paul Suite for string orchestra.

Though more difficult than the First Suite, this masterwork - both for historical perspective and the inherent opportunities for growth through technical chalenges - should not be avoided...It is a joy for players.

Instrumentation:  Flute/C Piccolo, Oboe, Bassoon 1-2, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet Solo and 1-3, Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophone, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone, Bb Bass Saxophone (opt.,) Bb Cornet Solo and 1-2, F Horn 1-4, Trombone 1-2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Side Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Triangle, Tambourine, Anvil.

Includes score and parts. Revised Full Score based on the autograph manuscript.