I Vow to Thee, My Country (From Suite “The Planets" - Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity, organ)

In the video you can hear my free interpretation, taken from a transcription for organ solo by Machella Maurizio, of the famous hymn "I Vow to Thee, My Country", written by Gustav Holst and taken from a central section of the seven movements that make up the Suite "The Planets", i.e. the movement entitled "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity". Holst reworked this section of the Suite in the hymn "I Vow to Thee, My Country" whose words were taken from a poem of the diplomat Cecil Spring Rice, tune that became very popular in England and often used in solemn occasions. The suite "The Planets" (written between 1914 and 1916) is a suite for large orchestra and consists of seven movements, and inspired by the passion of Gustav Holst to astrology and Theosophy. These seven movements have the name of a planet and of its astrological character. This suite was most likely influenced by some compositions by Mahler and Schoenberg. The tune was recorded with hauptwerk system, sample set of the Father Willis organ, Hereford Cathedral, I wish everyone a good listening and I invite you to read at the end of the description the original text of the anthem in English. Thanks for your attention. I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice. I heard my country calling, away across the sea, Across the waste of waters, she calls and calls to me. Her sword is girded at her side, her helmet on her head, And around her feet are lying the dying and the dead; I hear the noise of battle, the thunder of her guns; I haste to thee, my mother, a son among thy sons. And there's another country, I've heard of long ago, Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering; And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.