He was advised by doctors to walk in algeria to treat his asthma and depression. Holst was a rambler. His time spent in Algeria inspire his suite “Beni Mora”. This piece incorporated music he heard in the streets of Algeria.
Holst was invited by H. Balfour Gardiner to join him and the brothers Clifford and Arnold Bax in Spain, where they would introduce him to astrology. This is the starting point of what is arguably his most famous composition, “The Planets”. Holst would always tell his friends their horoscopes.
Holst became an occasional organist and choirmaster at Thaxted Parish Church; he also developed an interest in bell-ringing.He started an annual music festival at Whitsuntide in 1916; students from Morley College and St Paul's Girls' School performed together with local participants.
Holst tried to enlist in the army after WWI had started but was rejected due to being unfit. This frustrated him because he could not contribute to the war effort. He continued to teach and compose. He started working on The