Whats the work?

I recall a work for symphonic band that I enjoyed, but I cannot remember its title or its composer. I think it had 4 movements, and on of the movements had 'Blacksmith' in its title. Any information would be appreciated, as would a recommendation regarding a quality recording of the work. Thank you in advance.

Well, this isn't for symphonic band, but I can tell ya that Handel wrote a suite in G for Harpsichord (the predecessor of the piano; it's awesome) subtitled 'The Harmonious Blacksmith.' That's all I can think of offhand, it might help. It's HWV 441 (Handel's works catalogue).

Could be Gustav Holst's 2nd suite for military band. It does have 4 movements, all based on English folksongs, and the 3rd movement is 'Song of the Blacksmith'. There used to be a splendid Mercury disc with the two Holst band suites plus music by Vaughan Williams (Eastman Wind Ensemble cond. Frederick Fennell) but I'm not sure whether it's been reissued on CD. Can someone enlighten us?

Derek Haslam

It is probably the Holst ' Suite in F for Military Band'.

Probably but I cannot be definite. Fennel has re-recorded it for Telarc with the Cleveland Winds.

The Mercury recording has been re-released on CD. Uni/Mercury Classics - #462960 Note that this is Monaural and there is a quite noticeable tape hiss.

There's another (stereo) recording by the Dallas Wind Symphony on Reference Recordings - #39 which may have better sound quality but I haven't heard it. My experience with other CDs from Reference Recordings has been very good.