A Fugal Overture, Op. 40, No. 1

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) began composition of A Fugal Overture in 1922, completing the full score in January 1923. Despite its name, the overture is not strictly fugal. It belongs to the era of neo-classicism, but apparently by coincidence, for Holst had not yet heard some of the Stravinsky and Hindemith works that set this fashion. The "fugal" subject is full of spiky cross-rhythms. Holst grouped the eighth notes of his 4/4 into a pattern of 3+3+2, thus giving a bar of three unequal beats, creating an intense and exciting work. This piece premiered on May 14th, 1923, in London by the British National Opera Company, with Eugene Goossens conducting. 2+1.2+1.2+Bcl.2+1: 4.3.3.1: Timp. Perc(2): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set). This work may also be performed with Piccolo, 1 Flute, 1 Oboe, English Horn, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 2 Horns, 2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones ( I and III), and strings. (5:00)