First Suite in E flat, Op. 28, No. 1 (H. 105) Cover Image

First Suite in E flat, Op. 28, No. 1 (H. 105): Concert Band, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score

$35.00 USD
Sale price  $35.00 USD Regular price 
Skip to product information
First Suite in E flat, Op. 28, No. 1 (H. 105) Cover Image

First Suite in E flat, Op. 28, No. 1 (H. 105): Concert Band, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score

By Gustav Holst

Item: 36-B373501

$35.00
Shipped

One moment…

Description
Written in 1909 and one of two suites by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) under Op. 28 written for military band, the FIRST SUITE in E-flat is considered a cornerstone of the band repertoire. Movements: I. Chaconne, II. Intermezzo, III. March. Reprint edition of the original publication.

First Suite in E flat, Op. 28, No. 1 (H. 105): Concert Band, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Pages

No sample pages found.

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Master Band Series - LudwigMasters
Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.
ISBN10: 8-89-810402-2
ISBN13: 979-889-810-4023
UPC: 605258732057
SKU: 36-B373501
Instrumentation: Concert Band

More about this title

About the Composer: Gustav Holst

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was an English composer whose music bridged the Romantic and modern eras. Though best known today for The Planets, Holst was deeply invested in wind band music and wrote several significant works for military and concert bands, viewing them as vital vehicles for musical expression and education.

Holst's band compositions reveal a composer unafraid to blend traditional forms with bold harmonic language. He served as a music educator throughout his career, and his writing for wind ensemble reflects a keen understanding of instrumental capabilities paired with genuine artistic ambition. The First Suite stands as proof that music for bands need not compromise on craft or substance.

Why we love this

This work commands respect across every level of band program because Holst writes idiomatically for winds without sacrificing musical sophistication. The three-movement structure gives directors a substantial concert anchor that audiences recognize and musicians genuinely enjoy performing, making it ideal for programs that need to balance accessibility with artistic credibility.

What to expect

The opening Chaconne unfolds with the formality of a processional, its stacked variations building dignity without straining. The Intermezzo shifts to intimate lyricism, offering the band a chance to breathe and blend. The March arrives with Holst's gift for memorable melody and confident orchestration, sending the audience out energized.

Who it's for

Band directors seeking a repertoire standard that engages intermediate to advanced ensembles and audiences alike. The First Suite works equally well in high school and college programs, offering substantial musical content without becoming a technical obstacle.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the Chaconne's ground bass variations so the changing upper voices read clearly; resist the urge to let the accompanying voices blur together.
  • The Intermezzo's lyricism demands a relaxed but disciplined approach to tempo; treat rubato sparingly and let the melodic line sing through the sustained harmony.
  • Balance the March's dotted rhythms with precision in the section parts; the piece's forward momentum depends on rhythmic clarity from every stand, not just the melody.

How to use it

Program this as a concert centerpiece or festival selection where it will anchor a program of contrasting works. Its three-movement scope and substantial musical argument make it equally at home opening a concert (if you want a strong statement early) or serving as a mid-program anchor that justifies the entire lineup.

Skills your students will build

  • Baroque form application (chaconne with ground bass variations)
  • Sustained lyrical playing across phrase lengths
  • Precision in dotted-rhythm articulation at moderate tempos
  • Balance and blend in multi-part textures
  • Ensemble sectional independence within unified sound
  • Characteristic articulation appropriate to march idiom

You May Also Like