"Jupiter" from The Planets -Gustav Holst
How did Holst's The Planets make it's way into the modern consciousness?
Listening Activity
4. "Jupiter" from The Planets -Gustav Holst
History
The inspiration of Holst's The Planets came from a vacation trip that Holst went on with fellow composers, Henry Balfour-Gardiner, Arnold Bax and Bax's brother, Clifford. Clifford introduced Holst to a book about astrology which talked about the different moods, and characteristics of the planets.
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The Planets, written between 1914 and 1917, is an orchestral suite and has 7 movements. The 4th movement, "Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity" is characterized by a jaunty opening and a lyrical middle section. The middle section is often sung to the words, "I vow to thee my country" in England, but as "O God, beyond all praising" at NCS. ​Due to the large forces needed, the piece was not premiered until fall of 1918 when Holst's friend Henry Balfour-Gardiner helped pay for the orchestra.
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Fast forward 60 years later to the premiere of Star Wars (IV), and there are striking similarities between the Planets' first movement, Mars and John Williams's soundtrack. You can compare the two here.
Appreciating "Jupiter"
Listen to a recording of Susanna Malkki conducting the BBC orchestra in Royal Albert Hall in London, England by tapping/clicking on the player below. Listen especially for:
1. which instruments are playing. (You should hear around 20 instruments.)
2. The moods of this piece?
3. How Holst creates these moods by how we writes it.
Now share your knowledge and insights by tapping/clicking on the button below and filling out the form.