Simon Callow’s delivery and approach to the camera is a masterclass for presenters everywhere.

Thank you for highlighting two of my very favorite composers. I just wish that there had been an episode dedicated to each man, especially Vaughan-Williams. Certain pieces of his music are often performed, and yet most people, except musicians and serious music lovers, don’t know a lot about him. His music truly could be the soundtrack to rural and small town Britain. Thanks to Holst, VW (as he liked to be called) and their colleagues Cecil Sharpe and Rebecca Clarke the folk music of Britain was either recorded on wax cylinders or written out by hand in order to preserve it before industrialization and waves of country people moving to the big cities caused it to be forgotten. They began the English Folk Music Society which is still going to this day to preserve England’s precious musical heritage. Not only that, but Holst and VW inspired Bartok and Kodaly to do the same thing in Hungary. The folk music revolution carried on throughout much of the 20th century in many countries and is seeing a revival even now all thanks to these two amazing men.

Interesting commentary, delivered by Simon Callow. Some snippets of lovely music heard when talking of Thaxted & the music festival. I was unaware of the connection between Holst & Vaughan Williams. Will have to find some recordings & learn a bit more. 🎻🎺🎷🥁

Simon Callow is pitch perfect as host. Very grateful to the series for colouring in the figures behind the music.

Holst is by far one of my favorites . to play or to listen is always a joy. 🖤

Great to see our favorite chamber orchestra playing. So long since we have gone to a concert Melbourne Australia.

It's not often you click on a video and see your house.... 🙂 RVW's Tallis is my favourite music.

Love these types of programs. The settings are amazing as is the music

Another side of Simon Callow. Saw him first in "A Room with a View." and then episodes of "Midsomer Murders."

Thank you

Great picture quality. Beautiful colors.

Maravilloso! Muchas gracias

Last movement of St. Paul's Suite also the finale of the Second Suite for Military Band.

Beautifully shot, especially the Jupiter part. It made me think about windmills. What happened to the windmills of England?

Şahane...

My grandmother was taught violin by Holst and played in the première of the St Paul's Suite 😎🎶❤️

To those of you who criticised my criticism of Mr Callow's "artificial delivery". Having trained at one of the most prestigious drama schools in the uk and trained in speech by a legend in the field, I know all the tricks - the suddden slowing downs, the significant pauses, the sudden diminuendos, the highlighting of a word. Actors learn all that in their cradle. - and I know all the tricks. The fact that you are conned by this technical display shows just how much technique Mr Callow has.

John T. Williams and Gustav Holst must both have been inspired by Richard Wagner.

I feel John Williama stole Holst song, " The Planets" and used it for Star Wars.

Mars isn't a reaction to the First World War as it was completed before the war had started.

Good grief ! I’m amazed at your rudeness !

🤪 Promo-SM!

Fascinating documentary - but oh that awful artificial actor's mannered delivery - fake spontaneous and fake natural. It sounds like nothing so much as an audition for a place at drama school. Real people don't speak that, Mr Callow. Mr Callow is an actOR, a thespian - a latter day Bransby Williams - he is as real as a three-dollar bill.