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Holst Museum, Gloucestershire Until the eighteenth century music in Western Europe was very much the preserve of the Church. Handel, Vivaldi, Haydn, Mozart, Rossini, Verdi and Berlioz all wrote for the Church, and they all also wrote for secular audiences. All these composers represented the cross over point as music became an art form in its own right. By the nineteenth century music still had a sense of a link to spirituality, but this was a wide ranging link. The British late nineteenth and early twentieth century composer Gustav Holst wrote pieces inspired by Hindu spiritualism and astrology!
Gustav Holst was born in 1874 at 4 Clarence Road, Cheltenam on 21st September 1874. After working as a trombone player in dance bands, Holst became a composer, writing highly original pieces in a wide variety of classical genres, with The Planets Suite his best known piece. He also taught music at schools and universities. Number 4 Clarence Road is now a museum dedicated to Holst. The second hand piano on which much of The Planets was composed can be seen in the music room.
Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Closed from mid December to early February. Also open some bank holidays. Check before you visit using contact details below.
Directions: The Holst Museum is right in the centre of Cheltenham. There is a car park nearby in Portland Street. Click here for an interactive map centred on the Holst Museum.
Address: Holst Birthplace Museum, 4 Clarence Road, Pittville, Cheltenham, Gloustershire GL52 2AY
Access: Wheelchair access at this property is not possible. There are steps at the entrance and stairs to all floors. Large print and Braille guides are available.
Contact:
telephone: 01242 524846
e-mail: holstmuseum@btconnect.com
web site: http://www.holstmuseum.org.uk/