Holst: The Planets Talbot: Worlds, Stars, Systems, Infinity Esa-Pekka Salonen (Conductor) Philharmonia Orchestra Also available on Blu-ray Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the Philharmonia Orchestra in a unique performance of Holst's The Planets Suite, captured in High Definition by 37 cameras. This immersive experience takes the viewer to the heart of the Philharmonia as they perform this well-loved piece, using cameras placed in a multitude of positions and angles to create an extraordinary glimpse of the orchestra at work from within. As well as Holst's The Planets, the filmed performance also includes a new commission by UK composer Joby Talbot, Worlds, Stars, Systems, Infinity. Additional features include a 'Making of' documentary feature, listening guide films for each planet, audio commentaries from conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen and principal players of the Philharmonia, and (for Blu-ray only) a bonus view option that allows a simultaneous view of the conductor and orchestra in action. The Philharmonia Orchestra is committed to bringing classical music to new audiences in creative and exciting ways, and to this end has become a technological trailblazer in its adoption and adaptation of new technology. In 2010 the Re-Rite project allowed members of the public to experience Stravinsky's Rite of Spring for the first time from within the orchestra through audio/visual projections. Their 'Universe of Sound' project from which this release stems debuted at the Science Museum in London last year, and is set to tour the country in new installations during 2013. Please note that the 'Picture in Picture' Blu-ray feature is not available on the DVD. Reviews Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the Philharmonia Orchestra in a performance of Holst's Planets Suite, captured in high definition by 37 cameras. The viewer is taken to the heart of the Philharmonia in a stunning immersive experience. The performance also includes World, Stars, Systems, Infinity by UK composer Joby Talbot. Northern Echo, Gavin Engelbrecht Philharmonia's landmark Planets project on screen Conceived in conjunction with a summer 2012 installation at London's Science Museum, the Philharmonia's 'Universe of Sound: Holst The Planets' is now available as a Blu-ray Disc of information and commentary surrounding a studio performance of the work filmed at Watford's Colosseum. Overlaying the performance can be commentaries by Esa-Pekka Salonen and Richard Slaney or by principal members of the orchestra. Appendices include analysis of each movement, with music score examples, by the Philharmonia's Paul Richmond; an interview with composer Joby Talbot, who wrote a companion sequel to The Planets called Worlds, Stars, Systems, Infinity; and some items about the London exhibition. The centrepiece of all this is a tautly rehearsed, unromantic, 'straight' performance of the piece under Salonen which will appeal to those who like Holst's own 'original' recordings - especially the sparky acoustic one - more than less 'modern' readings under Boult, Sargent and A and C Davis. Salonen manages to locate the work comfortably next to its European contemporaries (his voiceovers draw parallels with Sibelius's Kullervo and Finlandia) without the interventionist stylistic colouring of the Karajan extravaganzas or the Hollywood driving of some of the American readings. Do choose the option during 'Mars' of keeping Salonen's photo up in the left hand corner together with his commentary on how to beat what he thinks may be the longest symphonic movement in 5/4. A deal of information is contained here and the release would be invaluable to younger students of the score or those planning to conduct it for the first time. The commentary from the orchestra members could have been more tightly sifted. Real gems of information about the piece and playing it as an ensemble fly by quickly and get lost in a sea of essentially once-only anecdotage. Filming and recording of the performance are both state-of-the-art. Gramophone, Mike Ashman