The Choral Symphony is a work by Gustav Holst for soprano soloist, chorus, and orchestra in a setting of verses by John Keats.
Turning to the poetry of John Keats for his text, Holst set various unrelated passages that stimulated his musical imagination.
The work thus became a four-movement choral symphony, with the vocal parts fully integrated in the overall musical texture instead of being added to the orchestra as an extra element.
[3] Though it seems that the Leeds premiere was well-received, the London performance had a poor effect, due largely to an inadequate rehearsal of a demanding piece.
[3] Holst began planning a 'second Choral Symphony', based on poems by George Meredith, but only made some initial fragmentary sketches.