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"St. Paul's Suite" is a composition by Gustav Holst, written in 1912-1913. Here are some interesting facts about it:

1. Inspiration: Holst was the music teacher at St. Paul's Girls' School in Hammersmith, London, when he composed this piece. The suite was inspired by the talented students he had at the school.

2. Dedication: The suite is dedicated to the students of St. Paul's Girls' School. Each movement is named after a room in the school, and the work as a whole reflects the energy and vitality of youth.

3. Original Instrumentation: The original version of the suite was written for strings and harpsichord. Later, Holst also prepared an alternative version for full orchestra.

4. Movements: The suite consists of four movements:

   • Jig: Vivace
   • Ostinato: Presto
   • Intermezzo: Andante con moto
   • Finale (The Dargason): Allegro

5. Folk Influences: Holst incorporated folk melodies and dance forms into the suite, giving it a lively and vibrant character. The "Finale" movement, in particular, is based on the English folk tune "Dargason."

6. Premiere: The first performance of "St. Paul's Suite" took place at St. Paul's Girls' School in 1920. Holst conducted the school orchestra himself.

7. Recognition: While Holst is perhaps best known for his orchestral suite "The Planets," "St. Paul's Suite" remains a popular and charming work in the string orchestra repertoire. It showcases Holst's skillful orchestration and ability to capture the spirit of the youth he was working with.

These facts offer a glimpse into the background and uniqueness of Gustav Holst's "St. Paul's Suite."