 Some of his compositions were published and performed; the previous year "The Times" had praised his song "Light Leaves Whisper", "a moderately elaborate composition in six parts, treated with a good deal of expression and poetic feeling".Occasional successes notwithstanding, Holst found that "man cannot live by composition alone"; he took posts as organist at various London churches, and continued playing the trombone in theatre orchestras.In 1898 he was appointed first trombonist and "répétiteur" with the Carl Rosa Opera Company and toured with the Scottish Orchestra.