HOLST The Planets: 1. Mars, the Bringer of War - 'The President's Own' U.S. Marine Band

[DustyTravis]

The hearing loss I just endured listening to this multiple times on my headphones? Totally worth it...

[gregmonks]

Major Michelle A. Rakers! The lady can conduct! It's almost sacrilege to clap after a performance like that. It takes an incredible set of ears, a keen mind, a deep understanding of the music, and uncanny vision to wrest a performance like that out of even the best musicians. As a retired classical musician I can tell you that performances like this are the very thing that is missing in the modern classical world. Musicians, and conductors especially, haven't a clue as to what is meant by the phrase "living inside the music". What you just heard was an example of "living inside the music". Needless to say, the band is pretty incredible too.

[paytheline]

What better ensemble for Mars, the Bringer of War than the “President’s Own” Marine Band?

[kevincruikshank]

Camera needs to focus on soloist at appropriate time. The baritone/ euphonium solo is a tough one and classic. Need to see the soloist- not the conductor and full ensemble. We don’t get enough respect as baritone/ euphonium/tenor tuba players!
Other than that- outstanding!

[dumbpunk]

i didn't even realize this was a band not an orchestra until i decided to actually look at the video. Amazing tho holy shit

[AlgyCuber]

it sounds like a full orchestra even without strings

[mhillaxeman]

Wow! Not only do they pull this off without strings (aside from the one string bass), but a truly exciting performance all around!

[kaziiqbal]

I like her conducting. Very conventional, no flailing her arms around.

[ayelmao]

4:11 the most brütal breakdown of the early 20th century

[lilyhope]

Only one bassist? Nevertheless, I love the conductor. Very clear movement and expression, it gets the emotion across very well.

[jck]

this is the best recording I've ever heard of this piece

[briancompau]

No way...is that a bass oboe? Yes please.

[Zenkai]

Wow, both a bass oboe and an English horn!

[danielchoi]

Let the name Mars ring across the battlefield and bear witness to my enemy’s flight

[emiliohernandez]

What a riveting performance!!
A genuine thrill!

[rshps]

Despite the fact that they left out my favorite instrument, euphonium. It sounds amazing.

[dkaik]

I’d love to be under the direction of her baton. She seems phenomenal

[robandwood]

A superb performance of a wonderful transcription. Bravi to all; I've loved this great Suite for many years in its orchestral form, this version casts a new and fresh light upon it. May I suggest another 'take' upon this  -  the two piano, four-handed transcription by Holst himself? It has been recorded several times. Many thanks for this post, best wishes to you.

[allwinds]

Wow! So clean and clear with the wind band.

[tomshiba]

This is right there with Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries as a song that expresses battle.