Holst: The Planets

1874 to a Swedish father and an English mother and spent his childhood
Music in london. Although he was initially drawn to composition, his works
at Morley College in 1907.

Holst continued composing in many forms, such as choral works (the Hymn
of Jesus, 1917), opera (the Perfect Fool, 1923), orchestral works (Egdon
Heath, 1927) and two Suites for Military Band (1909). However, it is the
orchestral suite The Planets that made him famous overnight. This spectacular
and colourful work has influenced generations of film-score composers.
describes the astrological (not astronomical) and mythological associations of
to Holst the astrological qualities of the Planets and provided a scheme for an
Holst was most dismayed by the international popularity of the Planets. It
atypical of his composition style and regretted it. It is sad that such a great
work of art, loved the world over, was resented by its own creator. ralph
vaughan Williams, Holst’s best friend and fellow composer, once said the
Planets was “the perfect equilibrium” of Holst’s nature – the melodic, precise
and structured, combined with the mystic and unexplainable. the Planets
movements are arranged in pairs, with adjacent movements providing
maximum contrast. the orchestra will be playing three this evening.

Mars, the bringer of War

This movement has an aggressive character shown through the low, menacing
martial rhythm of field drums. the strings use a technique known as col legno
Generous use of brass instruments amplifies the militaristic tone. a great
discord eventually brings the onslaught of battle to a temporary halt. a slower
section is haunted by the martial rhythm before the allegro returns with
increased, almost hysterical ferocity that ends with grinding chords.

Venus, the bringer of Peace

strings and the melodic violin solo in the key of F#, venus has an unmistakable
follows violent and thunderous Mars only serves to highlight this.

Jupiter, the bringer of Jollity

an overall air of grand importance and the jolly feel is highlighted by the C
major key in which it is written. the whole movement sounds exhilarating,
the glorious ballad section in the middle suggests a typically english scene
and has inspired many patriotic hymns in both england and america. It was
of ‘I vow to thee my country’ to music. He was relieved to discover that they
‘fitted’ the tune from Jupiter … musical serendipity!