Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was born in the English town of Cheltenham. His father an organist and professional musician saw to it that he received instruction in piano, organ, violin and later trombone. He studied composition at the Royal College of Music in London with Charles Villiers Stanford. His early career was divided between composing and playing the trombone. Eventually, he was able to procure a teaching position, which enabled him to give up having to play in orchestras and which allowed him to concentrate on composing. His early music showed the influence of Wagner and Richard Strauss. Later, English folksong became important to him and finally the works of Ravel played a role in his music as well. Remembered today for only one work, the orchestral suite The Planets, Holst only wrote chamber music, with the exception of his Terzetto, in the first part of his career in the 1890’s
With the exception of some early efforts from his student years, Gustav Holst's Terzetto for flute, oboe, and viola stands as his only chamber music. It dates from 1925 and is notable for its simultaneous presentation of three different keys, that is to say, each voice plays in a different key. The work consists of two short movements, the first, Allegretto, is somewhat lyrical while the second, Un poco vivace, comes closest to resembling a scherzo. What might be considered a trio section is somewhat slower and has a fugue which provides contrast. The Terzetto, because it was in three keys, at first baffled musicians, but by comparison to the 12 tone and atonal schools, the music sounds positively melodious. The Terzetto was also arranged for flute, oboe and clarinet.
