Gustav Holst’s Suite The Planets

“The Planets” by Gustav Holst Premiered

Classical Music Dateline:  September 29, 1918.

Gustav Holst’s suite “The Planets” was first performed on Sept 29, 1918,  in Queen’s Hall, London. He composed it for voices and orchestra. It is Holst’s  best-known music.

The movements of “The Planets”:

• Mars, the Bringer of War: Use of timpani.

• Venus, the Bringer of Peace: Strings.

• Mercury, the Winged Messenger: Strings and bassoon.

• Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity:  The Jupiter theme was adopted as a patriotic hymn tune, considered the most recognizable in the suite.

• Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age: The musical messenger of decline, eventually death.

• Uranus, the Magician.

• Nepture, the Mystic: More strings and winds.

The suite “The Planets” starts with drums and continue on with the use of strings and winds, and slowly, the music floats to space. It’s wonderful to hear.

Check out this article:  Gustav Holst Biography

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Gustave Holst – The Planets Op.32 “Jupiter”

Video Credit:

Gustav Holst – The Planets Op. 32 “Jupiter” by Lovelove0207  (YouTube)