The BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ben Gernon, performs Gustav Holst’s masterpiece, The Planets, at the Barbican, 100 years after its composition. Professor Brian Cox introduces each movement against a backdrop of the very latest in planetary imagery.

This DVD pays tribute to a representative of the famous conductor personalities of the last century: Eugene Ormandy (1899-1985), who was both energetic and graceful on the podium, was known for his infallible ear and prodigious memory. He became famous for his relationship with the Philadelphia Orchestra, which he served as Musical Director from 1936 until 1980. Under his direction, the orchestra developed its legendary warm, textured, romantic “Philadelphia” or “Ormandy” Sound. Claude Debussy (1862–1918) and Gustav Holst (1874–1934) belonged to a generation of composers that influenced the musical output of the early champions of modernism.