Origins & Early Life

Gustav Holst (born Gustavus Theodore von Holst; 21 September 1874 – 25 May 1934) was an English composer, arranger and teacher. Best known for his orchestral suite The Planets, he composed many other works across a range of genres, although none achieved comparable success. His distinctive compositional style was the product of many influences, Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss being most crucial early in his development. The subsequent inspiration of the English folksong revival of the early 20th century, and the example of such rising modern composers as Maurice Ravel, led Holst to develop and refine an individual style.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

There were professional musicians in the previous three generations of Holst's family, and it was clear from his early years that he would follow the same calling. He hoped to become a pianist, but was prevented by neuritis in his right arm. Despite his father's reservations, he pursued a career as a composer, studying at the Royal College of Music under Charles Villiers Stanford. Unable to support himself by his compositions, he played the trombone professionally and later became a teacher—a great one, according to his colleague Ralph Vaughan Williams. Among other...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Contemporary (Born in 1874) (1874): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Adolphe Quetelet — Contemporary (Died in 1874) (1874): Pioneering Belgian statistician, founder of anthropometry, and social scientist.
• Amy Lowell — Contemporary (Born in 1874) (1874): American poet, key figure in the Imagist school, known for her vibrant verse.
• Abimael Guzmán — Contemporary (Born in 1934) (1934): Peruvian Maoist revolutionary leader, founder of the Shining Path.
• Alan Arkin — Contemporary (Born in 1934) (1934): Esteemed American actor, filmmaker, and musician with a seven-decade career.
• Alexei Leonov — Contemporary (Born in 1934) (1934): Pioneering Soviet cosmonaut, aviator, and celebrated figure in space exploration.
• Abdul Hamid II — Shared historical date (09-21 · Born) (1842): Last effective Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, navigating decline and constitutional upheaval.
• Abraham Flexner — Shared historical date (09-21 · Died) (1959): Pioneering American educator known for reforming US and Canadian medical and higher education.
• Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi — Shared historical date (05-25 · Died) (986): Influential Persian astronomer known for expanding Ptolemaic models and stellar catalogs.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Shared historical date (05-25 · Died) (1993): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• 1874 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1874
• September 21 (09-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 21
• 1934 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1934
• May 25 (05-25) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 25