Notes left by Gustav Holst reveal that he began recording his compositions in 1895, and continued until his death. In the pages dating from 1909, we find the first mention of the 1st Suite for Military Band Op. 28. This is, curiously, the only information we have concerning the work's origins. Icredibly, the first performance did not take place until 1929, (a similar fate awaited the 2nd Suite, composed in 1911, and not given its first performance until 1922!). With a history dating back to 1836, the Soncino band established itself nationally in 1906 on the occasion of the Milan Exposition music competition. In 1993 under the direction of Ugo Vanoli and Giancarlo Locatelli, the band was completely refounded and since 1999 it has been a semi-professional group under the direction of maestro Luca Valenti. The group has performed in Italy and abroad in more than 130 concerts, and has recorded 45 albums. Their repertoire consists primarily of transcriptions of symphonic music and operas, and original works for winds.