The Planets, Op. 32

• Holst composed The Planets in 1914-16.
• An incomplete version was first performed in 1918 under the direction of Sir Adrian Boult, and the suite brought Holst immediate popular success, leading to a sharp uptick of interest in his compositions.¹

“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 names. If any guide to the music is required, the subtitle to each piece will be found sufficient, especially if it be used in a broad sense. For instance, Jupiter brings jollity in the ordinary sense, and also the more ceremonial type of rejoicing associated with religions or national festivities. Saturn brings not only physical decay, but also a vision of fulfillment. Mercury is the symbol of the mind.”

Gustav Holst, from the preface to The Planets²

1. Colin Matthews, “Holst, Gustav(us Theodore von),” Grove Music Online (2001), accessed October 23, 2019, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000013252.
2. Quoted in Betsy Schwarm, “The Planets, Op. 32,” Encyclopædia Brittanica (April 14, 2015), accessed October 23, 2019, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Planets.