We have a collection of 36 arrangements for Gustav Holst - The Planets, Op.32: Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
What celestial inspiration did Holst use for Jupiter's majestic theme? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Gustav Holst: Visionary Composer of The Planets
"The Planets" is a famous orchestral suite composed by Gustav Holst. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic work:
Inspiration from Astrology: Holst composed "The Planets" between 1914 and 1916. Each of the seven movements is dedicated to one of the planets known in astrology at the time, excluding Earth and including Pluto. The movements are, in order: Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Mars: Bringer of War: The first movement, "Mars, the Bringer of War," is one of the most famous and powerful pieces in the suite. It is known for its relentless, martial rhythm and ominous brass and percussion.
Venus: Bringer of Peace: In stark contrast to the aggression of Mars, "Venus, the Bringer of Peace," is a serene and ethereal piece, featuring delicate melodies and soothing harmonies.
Premiere Delay: The complete suite was not premiered until after World War I, in 1918. Holst conducted the first performance, which was met with great acclaim.
Influence on Film Music: The music from "The Planets" has had a significant impact on film scores. Composers like John Williams, who worked on "Star Wars," have cited Holst's work as an inspiration for their own compositions.
Exotic Percussion: Holst incorporated exotic percussion instruments, such as the celesta, glockenspiel, and harp, to create otherworldly and mystical sounds in movements like "Mercury, the Winged Messenger" and "Neptune, the Mystic."
Saturn's Choral Ending: The end of the "Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age" movement features a wordless female choir, adding a haunting, ethereal quality to the music.
Influence on Progressive Rock: "The Planets" has been an influence on progressive rock bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, who adapted parts of the suite into their own music.
Uranus: The Magician: "Uranus, the Magician," is known for its whimsical and playful character. Holst used the xylophone and other percussion instruments to create a sense of magic and unpredictability.
Pluto: The Renewer: Although Pluto was not discovered until 1930, Holst had already completed "The Planets." In 2000, composer Colin Matthews added a movement called "Pluto, the Renewer" to the suite as a tribute to Holst's work.
Mystical Ending: The final movement, "Neptune, the Mystic," ends quietly and mysteriously, with the female choir slowly fading away. Holst instructed that the women's voices should be placed in a separate room, and the door should be closed during the performance, creating the effect of the music vanishing into the distance.
Holst's Humility: Despite the popularity of "The Planets," Holst remained modest about his composition's success. He once said, "I am really a very ordinary sort of man, not at all brilliant, and not at all spiritual."
"The Planets" remains a beloved and influential work in the classical music repertoire, known for its evocative character and its ability to transport listeners to the far reaches of the solar system.