Holst - Song of the Blacksmith , arr. Marc Oliver for Brass Quintet

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Holst’s Sturdy Folk-Inspired Character Piece — Arranged for Brass Quintet by Marc Oliver

Gustav Holst (1874–1934) is best known for his orchestral suite The Planets, but his output also includes a wealth of charming character pieces and folk-inspired works. Song of the Blacksmith is a sturdy, rhythmically driven piece that evokes the steady hammer blows and robust energy of a blacksmith at work — vivid, immediately appealing, with a strong rhythmic character and a memorable melodic profile.

This edition presents Song of the Blacksmith in a brass quintet arrangement by Marc Oliver, bringing Holst’s robust character piece to life with the full power of the wind ensemble. An engaging and accessible addition to any concert band program.

Performance Highlights

• A sturdy, rhythmically driven character piece by the composer of The Planets
• Evokes the energy and rhythm of a blacksmith at work
• Arranged for concert band by Marc Oliver
• Accessible and engaging — ideal for educational and concert programs
• Digital PDF download — print-ready score and parts included

About the Arranger

Marc Oliver (1952–2017) was the primary arranger and engraver behind Ayotte Custom Musical Engravings during its founding, bringing decades of expertise in brass, band, and ensemble writing to every score. His arrangements are known for their idiomatic clarity, professional engraving quality, and deep respect for the performance traditions of the American concert band.

This is a digital product. No physical materials will be shipped. For personal and educational use only — not for resale or redistribution.