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" 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.