Gustav Holst (1874-1934): “Mars,” “Venus,” and “Jupiter” from The Planets, Opus 32

“As a rule I only study things that suggest music to me,” wrote Holst around 1913. “Recently the character of each planet suggested lots to me, and I have been studying astrology fairly closely.” By the spring of 1914, he was at work on a “Suite for Large Orchestra” titled The Planets.

The titles of the seven movements come from the planets of the solar system. Earth is omitted, as is Pluto, which was not discovered until 1930 and lately has lost its status as a real planet.

Adrian Boult conducted a private performance of The Planets at Queen's Hall in London on September 29, 1918. Holst's daughter Imogen was there, and recalled, “Even those listeners who had studied the score for months were taken aback by the unexpected clamour of ‘Mars.’ During ‘Jupiter’ the charwomen working in the corridors put down their scrubbing-brushes and began to dance.  In ‘Saturn’ the isolated listeners in the dark, half-empty hall felt themselves growing older at every bar!”

The first public performance took place on November 15, 1920, with Albert Coates conducting. For this concert, Holst wrote, “These pieces were suggested by the astrological significance of the planets; there is no programme music in them, neither have they any connection with the deities of classical mythology bearing the same name. If any guide to the music is required the subtitle of each piece will be found sufficient, especially if it is used in a broad sense. For instance, Jupiter brings jollity in the ordinary sense, and also the more ceremonial kind of rejoicing associated with religious or national festivities.”

Program Notes by Charley Samson, copyright 2022.