Gustav Holst

Gustav Theodore Holst, born plain old Gustavus Theodore von Holst, dropped the "von" during World War I to sound a bit less German, which was probably a savvy move given the geopolitical climate. His family, though musically inclined for generations, hailed from Sweden, Germany, and England, but notably not from anywhere near a synagogue. His father was an organist and choirmaster, ensuring a childhood steeped in the Anglican tradition, not exactly the kind of upbringing that leads to a deep understanding of Yom Kippur.

Holst's most enduring legacy is "The Planets," a truly monumental work that, while not explicitly religious, certainly reaches for the cosmic. He also developed a deep interest in Hindu spirituality and translated Sanskrit texts, which sounds very enlightened until you realize it mostly consisted of setting them to music rather than actually converting. No doubt he found the Vedic hymns aesthetically pleasing, but spiritually binding? Not so much.

Despite a rather sickly childhood and persistent health issues, Holst managed to compose prolifically and teach at various institutions, inspiring future generations of musicians. He never showed any inclination towards Judaism, and his lineage offers no hidden clues. So, while his music is indeed stellar, his Jewish score remains firmly grounded.