The Mystic Trumpeter
Comment: You do not assert or contextualize why this piece is notable/significant. Sulfurboy (talk) 04:49, 21 July 2026 (UTC)
| The Mystic Trumpeter | |
|---|---|
| H.71 Op. 18 | |
| Symphonic Poem by Gustav Holst | |
| File:Gustav Holst.jpg Gustav Holst, circa 1921 | |
| Year | 1904 |
| Based on | "The Mystic Trumpeter" by Walt Whitman |
| Published | 1979 |
| Publisher | Colin Matthews, Imogen Holst |
| Premiere | |
| Date | 1905 |
| Location | Queen's Hall, London, United Kingdom |
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The Mystic Trumpeter, H. 71, Op. 18, is a symphonic poem composed by Gustav Holst for solo soprano, and orchestra. It was written in the year 1904, and first performed in 1905. It is set to the poem "The Mystic Trumpeter" written by Walt Whitman. The Mystic Trumpeter was a neglected work of Holst's works for orchestra, receiving only two performances in his lifetime.[1]
The original manuscript of the piece was edited and published by English composer Colin Matthews, along with Holst's daughter, Imogen Holst, in 1979 for its first recording, along with being the first performance of the work since Holst's death.[2]
Composition
Holst's early interest in Walt Whitman's poetry led him to compose The Mystic Trumpeter, which is based on the poem "The Mystic Trumpeter" by Walt Whitman. The piece features a solo soprano voice, that recites the poem, and a large orchestra.[3] It was one of Gustav Holst's most significant works for orchestra at the time, that preceded Holst's later orchestral works.
This symphonic poem is heavily influenced by Richard Wagner's style, in part to its chromaticism and polytonality that he would use in the composition of his later works. However, it is one of the last pieces to be influenced in this way, as he later became more interested in English folksong.[4]
The piece starts off at Molto Sostenuto with violas, violoncellos, and double basses playing at pianississimo, with solo french horn and solo muted trumpet playing fanfares in call and response. The french horn then introduces the first theme.
<score raw="1">\version "2.24.4" \language "english" \paper {
top-margin = 0\mm bottom-margin = 280\mm
} \header{
tagline = ##f
}
{
\new Staff \with {
instrumentName = "Horn in F."
midiInstrument = "frenchhorn"
}{
\transpose c f
\clef treble
\mf
\relative {e'8 e16_\markup {\italic pesante} e b'4. gs8 e fs gs8. b,16 b4. gs'8 e16 fs gs8 b,1}
}
} </score>
The second theme is then introduced by the trombones. <score raw="1">\version "2.24.4" \language "english" \paper {
top-margin = 0\mm bottom-margin = 280\mm
} \header{
tagline = ##f
}
{
\new Staff \with {
instrumentName = "Trombones."
midiInstrument = "trombone"
}{
\clef bass
\relative {r2 r4 c4_\ppp^\markup {"a3"} d e f g~g8 e16 d c8 g' c2}
}
} </score>
It is then followed by the trumpets playing the first theme, this time in minor, and leading to an A major seventh chord by the french horns, introducing the poem, sung ad libitum. Holst then introduces a third theme, mimicking the words "I hear thee trumpeter" by the solo soprano, that moves from the violoncellos and bassoons, and moves up towards the higher strings and piccolo.
<score raw="1">\version "2.24.4" \language "english" \paper {
top-margin = 0\mm bottom-margin = 280\mm
} \header{
tagline = ##f
}
{
\new Staff \with {
instrumentName = "Violincellos"
midiInstrument = "violoncello"
}{
\clef bass
\relative {r8 e\p( f g) bf4 bf(~bf8 bf16 a) g8 bf}
}
} </score>Holst then slowly builds up towards a climax, at "Now pouring, whirling like a tempest round me" with the first theme. The third theme then returns in the french horns and strings, until Holst introduces a fourth theme played by solo trumpet.
<score raw="1" audio="1">\version "2.24.4" \language "english" \paper {
top-margin = 0\mm bottom-margin = 280\mm
} \header{
tagline = ##f
}
{
\new Staff \with {
instrumentName = "Trumpet in F"
midiInstrument = "trumpet"
}{
\clef treble
\relative { r4 f'\p( g_\markup{\italic "dolce"} af bf8 af16 g af8 bf8 g) ef( f g)
f8. f16 f2.~f2. \tuplet 3/2 { ef8( f g) } f8. f16 f2}
}
} </score>
Instrumentation
This Symphonic Poem is scored for solo soprano and large orchestra, consisting of the following:
Woodwinds
- 3 flutes (3rd doubling piccolo)
- 2 oboes
- 1 cor anglais
- 2 clarinets in B♭
- 1 bass clarinet in B♭
- 2 bassoons
Brass
Percussion
- timpani
- celesta
- bass drum
- cymbals (crash and suspended, to be played with timpani sticks)
- snare drum
- glockenspiel
- triangle
Solo soprano
Strings
- 1st violins
- 2nd violins
- violas
- violoncellos
- double basses (with low C),
In the 1979 edition, conductor Andrew Davis also added tambourine to the percussion section.[5]
References
- ↑ CHANDOS Digital, BBC Symphony Orchestra (2013-04-06). 4858141 Ae 733a 095115512722. Search this book on
- ↑ Naxos Music Library, Royal Scottish National Orchestra (2001-02-17). Naxos The Mystic Trumpeter Booklet. Search this book on
- ↑ "Holst, G.: Planets (The) / The Mystic Trumpeter (R.. - 8.555776". www.naxos.com. Retrieved 2026-07-20.
- ↑ "A Gifted Teacher - The Gustav Holst Website". 2026-01-07. Retrieved 2026-07-21.
- ↑ "Holst: The Mystic Trumpeter; First Choral Symphony". Classical Music. 2014-01-08. Retrieved 2026-07-20.
External links
- Animated score on YouTube, Susan Gritton (soprano), BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Davis
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