Recorded in the vibrant musical heart of Berlin, this album unites the forces of Sankt Annæ Symphony Orchestra and Musikgymnasium Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach in an extraordinary collaboration under the baton of conductor Carl-Oscar Østerlind. The program features two monumental works that contrast the cosmic and the spiritual—Gustav Holst’s The Planets and Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem.

Holst’s The Planets takes the listener on a journey through the astrological and emotional landscapes of our solar system, from the relentless war-march of Mars to the ethereal serenity of Neptune. The orchestra brings vivid color and dynamic precision to this iconic suite, capturing its grandeur and mysticism.

In contrast, Fauré’s Requiem offers a deeply intimate and transcendent meditation on life, death, and eternal peace. With its luminous choral textures and serene orchestral writing, this performance embodies the composer’s vision of a gentle and consoling farewell.

This recording is a testament to the power of international collaboration, bringing together young musicians from Copenhagen and Berlin in a shared pursuit of artistic excellence. The result is a moving and immersive experience—one that bridges the cosmic vastness of Holst with the timeless spirituality of Fauré.

The Planets, Op. 32: I. Mars, the Bringer of War

Sankt Annæ Symfoniorkester