Classical Music Datebook: September 29
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. One of Holst’s mystical influences was astrology and the zodiac, which was one of his hobbies for the rest of his life. Astrology was the primary influence behind his most famous work, The Planets.
The Planets is a seven-movement work based on the planets and their astrological characteristics:
Mars – the Bringer of War
Venus – the Bringer of Peace
Mercury – the Winged Messenger
Jupiter – the Bringer of Jollity
Saturn – the Bringer of Old Age
Uranus – the Magician
Neptune – the Mystic
Because it is a piece based on astrology, rather than science, the planet Earth wasn’t included. And Pluto wasn’t included because it wasn’t until 14 years after the piece was written.
"The Planets" suite 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.
Video Credit:
Gustav Holst - The Planets Op. 32 "Jupiter". Youtube, uploaded by lovelove0207. Accessed 29 September 2009. (This is not mentioned at Youtube, but I believe this is performed by the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Taijiro Iimori. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. It's definitely not Charles Mackerras as mentioned. (Accessed Sept 29, 2016. / Tel)
Note: This piece was originally written Sept 29, 2009, I've amended today, Sept 29, 2016. / Tel
(c) Tel Asiado. Written for InspiredPenWeb.com. All rights reserved.
"The Planets" by Gustav Holst
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. One of Holst’s mystical influences was astrology and the zodiac, which was one of his hobbies for the rest of his life. Astrology was the primary influence behind his most famous work, The Planets.
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 Planets is a seven-movement work based on the planets and their astrological characteristics:
Mars – the Bringer of War
Venus – the Bringer of Peace
Mercury – the Winged Messenger
Jupiter – the Bringer of Jollity
Saturn – the Bringer of Old Age
Uranus – the Magician
Neptune – the Mystic
Because it is a piece based on astrology, rather than science, the planet Earth wasn’t included. And Pluto wasn’t included because it wasn’t until 14 years after the piece was written.
"The Planets" suite 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.
Video Credit:
Gustav Holst - The Planets Op. 32 "Jupiter". Youtube, uploaded by lovelove0207. Accessed 29 September 2009. (This is not mentioned at Youtube, but I believe this is performed by the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Taijiro Iimori. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. It's definitely not Charles Mackerras as mentioned. (Accessed Sept 29, 2016. / Tel)
Note: This piece was originally written Sept 29, 2009, I've amended today, Sept 29, 2016. / Tel
(c) Tel Asiado. Written for InspiredPenWeb.com. All rights reserved.
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