The Planets for Flute Orchestra

Program Notes

I. Mars the Bringer of War

The Planets suite begins with a ruthless march depicting war. The terrifying battle is announced in the brass instruments and an incessant rhythmic ostinato continues throughout the movement. This leaves a desolate landscape as the destruction of war weighs heavily. After the bleak slow section, the fanfares resume, culminating in brutal hammer strikes. It was Holst's intention to capture not only the cruelty of war, but also its stupidity.

II. Venus, the Bringer of Peace

Gentle chords like clear water douse the smoke and flames from the opening movement. The horn and violin solos are answered by lush woodwinds and strings. Serenity and peace blossom through the sparkle and twinkling colors of the harp and celeste. This floating soundscape blooms and brings this ethereal movement to a close.

III. Mercury, the Winged Messenger

This scherzo quickly and vibrantly bounces around different tonalities and time signatures, giving a lively and buoyant sound. Holst considered it to reflect the “process of human thought.” These darting and scurrying gestures sometimes feel as though flying through time and space.

IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity

Opening with a flurry of woodwinds and strings, melodies in the horns and strings show gallant exuberance. After the energetic opening themes is a stately and lyrical waltz. These together characterize a spirit of nobility and hope. This energy returns, closing in a flashy finale. In Holst’s words, this movement is “the musical embodiment of ceremonial jollity.”

V. Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age

This movement depicts the passing of time from the beginning of life to maturity. It opens with eerie and nebulous chords, growing restless until bells toll wildly. Afterwards, the music resumes its peaceful serenity. As Holst’s favorite movement, he comments, “Saturn not only brings physical decay but also a vision of fulfillment.”

VI. Uranus, the Magician

In astrology, Uranus rules invention and innovation. This magician begins with a brazen, four-note motif in the brass and timpani, which recurs throughout the entire movement. This opening leads into a manic dance, with unstable harmonies and whirling energy. At the end, the magician vanishes into silent mystery.

VII. Neptune, the Mystic

At the edge of the solar system lies Neptune, cold and distant. The score is transparent, softly dissonant, yet shimmering. Never leaving a quiet dynamic, this is accentuated by the women’s chorus appearing and fading until “sound is lost in the distance,” leaving the audience in the vastness of space. Without a clear melody, the music floats suspended in time.