Holst composed A Moorside Suite for Brass Band in 1928. It is in three movements, this March being preceded by a Scherzo and Nocturne. It is an extraordinary mature work for band from a master composer. There is very little fortissimo writing and there are no semiquavers at all. Instead, Holst has written clean melodic lines with each part being woven into a texture based on the modal lines of English folk music; but these represent its stylistic origin rather than using actual folk tunes as in Holst’s earlier band writing. The March is stirring and flowing and is an ideal standalone piece to open or close any concert or festival programme. Duration: 4.15
