The Planets, Op. 32 - Piece

The Planets, Op. 32

The Planets Op. 32 is a seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst, written between 1914 and 1916. Notable for its elaborate score for large orchestra with some unusual instruments, The Planets is the most-performed composition by an English composer. Its first complete public performance was on October 10, 1920 in Birmingham, with Appleby Matthews conducting. However, an earlier invitation-only premiere occurred during World War I on September 29, 1918, in London's Royal Albert Hall, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult.

The elaborate score of The Planets produces unusual, complex sounds by using some unusual instruments and multiples of instruments in the large orchestra (like Mahler's Sixth of 1906), such as: 3 oboes, 3 bassoons, 2 piccolos, 2 harps, bass oboe, 2 timpani players, glockenspiel, celesta, xylophone, tubular bells, and organ (see "Instrumentation" below). Holst had been influenced by Stravinsky, who used 4 oboes and 4 bassoons in his Rite of Spring (1912-1913) and by Schoenberg's 1909 composition titled "Five Pieces for Orchestra".

Composer's Bio:

Gustav Theodore Holst (born Gustavus Theodore von Holst, 21 September 1874 – 25 May 1934) was an English composer. He is most famous for his orchestral suite The Planets. His early works show the influence of Grieg, Wagner, Richard Strauss and fellow student Ralph Vaughan Williams, and later, through Vaughan Williams, the music of Ravel. The combined influence of Ravel, Hindu spiritualism and English folk tunes enabled Holst to free himself of the influence of Wagner and Strauss and to forge his own style. Holst's music is well known for unconventional use of metre and haunting melodies. Holst composed almost 200 works, including operas, ballets, choral hymns and songs. An enthusiastic educator, Holst became music master at St Paul's Girls' School in 1905 and director of music at Morley College in 1907, continuing in both posts until retirement.

This piece contains the following parts:

1. The Planets, Op. 32 - I. Mars, the Bringer of War
2. The Planets, Op. 32 - IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity

(50 Votes)

Composer	Form	Instrument	Period	Performer
Gustav Holst	Suite	Orchestra	N/A	Skidmore College Orchestra

License:

MP3 File
HQ File

Donate

If you enjoy the music here or want to support our efforts, please consider donating.

Browse music