In his use of authentic Englsh folksongs Gnostic texts and Vedic hymns one can discern Holst’s search for a compositional Voice beyond the constraints of the European canon in the early 1900’s. In A Dream of Christmas Holstset a medieval carol in Dorian mode modulating to D for the words of Christ manifesting his fascination medieval English music. Harmonies in the refrain are all in thirds and the piece is well within the abilities of amateursingers or Choruses.Gustav Holst has earned a place among the most revered of late 19th and early 20th century composers and is best known for his enduring Orchestral suite The Planets.
