Canvas Gustav Theodor (Holst Gustav Theodore)

(1874-1934)
Born September 21, 1874 at Cheltenham (Gloucestershire), his father was a pianist, grandfather and great grandfather - composer. Family Canvas - came from Sweden.
Canvas graduated from high school in Cheltenham, then studied composition at London's Royal College of Music, where mastered playing the trombone. He intended to become a concert pianist, but this prevented incurable neuritis of the right hand. Even as a student conductor Canvas 'socialist choir' in the house of William Morris and studied Sanskrit at the School of Oriental Languages. His professional career started first trombonist and tutor opera company orchestra in K. Rose.

Starting from 1903 gave the canvas most of his time teaching in schools and evening schools. Under the influence of R.Voan-Williams (their friendship lasted for many years), he hit on the idea of reviving the English folk songs and reprinting of old (16 in). English motets, madrigals, songs to the accompaniment of a lute. With his students at Morley College, he arranged presentation of little-known amateur theatrical productions Purcell.

During the First World War was on canvas by British troops in the Middle East, engaging in educational activities there. After the war he taught composition at the Royal College of Music and the University of Reading, in 1923 renounced the teaching, deciding to devote more time to composition. Sometimes, however, still make public lectures and in 1932 conducted a course at Harvard University.

The first outstanding work as a composer Holst was short chamber opera Savitri (Savitri, 1908), and the first product recognized by the public, - a large symphonic suite Planet (The Planets, 1914-1917). Other characteristic of the style of Holst, and frequently performed works - Suite for Strings (St. Paul's Suite for Strings, 1914), Hymn of Jesus (The Hymn of Jesus, 1917), Ode to Death (Ode to Death, 1917) and music for the ballet idiot (The Perfect Fool, 1922). The popularity of the composer fell in mid-1920's: the audience was puzzled by his Choral Symphony (Choral Symphony, 1924). Mature works of the late period, such as Egdonskaya wasteland (Egdon Heath, 1927), Smith (Hammersmith, 1930) and Choral Fantasy (Choral Fantasia), distinguished by a severe simplicity, which is estimated at its true worth only in 1960. Died Canvas in London May 25, 1934.