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Gustav Holst's Planets Suite

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Gustav Holst's Planets Suite is one of his most famous works. Written in 1916, the suite takes the listener on a journey through each of planets, excluding Earth. As Pluto was not discovered until 1930, Holst did not dedicate a movement to the dwarf planet. Holst stated that his inspiration for each movement is the planet's astrological significance. The Suite opens with "Mars" in a dissonant 5/4 rhythm. Astrologically, Mars represents anger and energy. The opening to the Suite is powerful, and the dissonance reflects anger. "Mars" works well as an opener; it is energetic and captures the listener's attention. The anger captured in the movement parallels the rocky, volcanic surface of the planet.
The second movement, "Venus," presents a heavy …show more content…

After the prime of life that was "Jupiter," Saturn is the Bringer of Old Age. The movement is somewhat reminiscent of a funeral march. As it progresses, "Saturn" moves away from this desolate tone and moves toward dignified wisdom. The movement is a realization that everything is temporary, just as Saturn's beautiful rings are merely a spectacle of the current age. They will disappear in time as the ring particles are destroyed by collisions.
Astrology recognizes Uranus as original and individual. Holst views the planet as a magician. The movement portrays a figure with mystical ability, energy, and individuality. Uranus' blue tint is an image of originality. Another image of the planet's originality is its 90-degree tilt on its axis. The planet appears to spin on its side, and this seems to be a magical property - just like "Uranus" is The Magician.
Neptune is the astrological planet of dreams, illusions, and confusion. The themes in "Neptune" are dreamlike and incomplete. Neptune is so far from the Earth that it is invisible to the naked eye, making the planet seem like an illusion. "Neptune" does not really end. Its voices fade away until they are inaudible. It leaves the listener dreaming of what lies beyond. Beyond Neptune is the Kuiper Belt, and then the rest of the

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