Holst, Gustav. (1874 - 1934)
The Golden Goose. A Choral Ballet. [Vocal Score] - SIGNED
London: Oxford University Press. 1927. First edition. Piano-vocal score. 8vo (7 x 10 inches). 43 pp. Stamped "Complimentary Copy" on the first page ([scenario], "Notes on Staging"), and inscribed at the head by the composer: "Edgar Lane from Gustav Holst." Original printed wrappers with gilt printing. Small tear to lower spine, a few small ink spots to front and rear, else very fine throughout and contained in a custom folding cloth portfolio with sueded interior.Raymond Head tells us that the term ‘choral ballet’ was first applied to Sir Granville Bantock’s 1914 opus, The Great God Pan, and that it “may well have been derived from the music of Thomas Morley and Thomas Weelkes who wrote ‘balletts’ and madrigals which were sung and danced”. In the years following the First World War there was a revival of interest in the folk-dance movement (pioneered by Holst’s friend, Cecil Sharp) which led to a number of open-air stagings featuring morris and maypole dancers; both The Golden Goose and The Morning of the Year were directly inspired by such entertainments. The Golden Goose dates from 1926 and was first performed by pupils from Morley College and St Paul’s Girls’ School, Hammersmith (Holst taught music at both establishments). Based on the Grimm fairy-tale about the princess who was never able to laugh, it is an immensely charming, tuneful collection, orchestrated with much wit and delicacy. (23247)
Signed Document/Item Classical Music