Mars Planet Music

Godzilla or John Williams’ Imperial March from Star Wars; reptilian monstrosities with military themes have long found expression through music – Mars is no exception!

Beginning in 1914, Holst’s Suite has long been seen as an early warning about World War I – although he himself never made this claim.

Mars: The Bringer of War

Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite “The Planets”, composed between 1914 and 1916, depicts each of the seven known planets with their associated astrological character. Written during a turbulent time period for classical music compositional style – its use of counterpoint and improvisation, rejection of binary oppositions and incorporation of multiple cultures make this work amongst one of the most groundbreaking works from 20th-century classical music history.

The opening movement of ‘The Planets,’ a musical psychogram depicting Roman god Mars, begins intensely with plucked and bowed strings, rhythmic percussion, and muted brass instruments. An ostinato rhythm – which refers to repeated melodic figures or beats which occur across multiple instruments within a section – helps establish its motif, while marching-style melody serves to depict Mars’ violent and malevolent image reminiscent of Godzilla’s rampage across Japan; similarly this music could evoke similar imagery of impending conflict anywhere around the globe!

After Mars’ fiery red music, Venus offers a calmer, soothing rhythmic pulse. Flute and harp passages work especially well here; celeste can also add beauty by accentuating Venus’ beautiful serene blue appearance. The gentle nature of Venus’ music represents its peaceful astrological character while at the same time reflecting an intention for peace and tolerance.

“Mercury, the Winged Messenger” in contrast is much quicker and erratic compared to its predecessor. While its complexity remains short in length, its irregular pace and use of flutes and celeste make this movement standout; along with some abrupt shifts in tempo that often echo Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Uranus, the whimsical Planets movement, is an engaging and entertaining piece. Though not as fast-paced than either of its siblings, Uranus still makes for great listening pleasure thanks to its jaunty pace and prominent use of horns and xylophone.

Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity

Jupiter, one of The Planets’s best-known and cheeriest movements, features an infectiously joyful melody which conveys high spirits and exuberance. However, its joyful mood is interrupted briefly by more solemn processional music before returning back to a joyous tune sung by an all-female chorus (Jupiter is one of two such movements).

Imogen, Holst’s daughter, reported that when Holst received Spring Rice’s poem for Jupiter in 1921 he was delighted to find it fit perfectly with his already composed music for it. Reworking its tune into a unison song with orchestra, Holst named it after Thaxted Village where his home resided in Essex.

Gustav Holst composed The Planets as seven movements from an orchestral suite between 1914 and 1917. Each movement takes its name from one of the planets in our Solar System and features its own astrological character, while being scored for large orchestra – something unique at the time; Ralph Vaughan Williams noted in 1920, writing: “Holst uses large orchestra not because he wants to appear impressive but simply needs the extra tone color”. It was first performed at three concerts conducted by Sir Adrian Boult in 1918.

Saturn: The Bringer of Old Age

Gustav Holst’s Saturn movement from “The Planets”, is perhaps his darkest and foreboding work, opening with an unnerving five beat per bar march rhythm that is much harder than usual four beats per bar – five is particularly difficult as an unusual meter for march music; Metallica have used opening seconds from this movement in their song “Am I Evil?.”

No glory or heroism exists within this music; rather, its inhumanity reaches its height through tenor tuba’s tattoo-like theme and sense of loss and depression is offset by a trombone melody in B minor; making this movement one of the more bittersweet movements.

Saturn represents old age and the longing for youth lost that can fill our souls. Although its music may seem melancholic, the brass choir and celesta add a light, cheerful quality that make this movement one of the most beautiful parts of this suite.

The haunting chorus that concludes the movement is an audible recreation of plasma waves that were detected by Cassini around Saturn and Enceladus. Filtered through its magnetic field, the sound was converted to an audible signal by Cassini which could then be detected by its probe.

Janus and Epimetheus, two irregular moons of Saturn that play an unusual 1:1 resonance, orbit at exactly the same distance and speed around their planet at exactly the same speed – the two moons swap positions every four years as they travel through its rings. This music simulates their discoveries.

Geert Schrijvers and Ralph Sauer arranged this work, composed by Geert for 14-part Brass Ensemble with Timpani and Bells, to produce its mournful yet tragic melody that perfectly compliments this concert work.

Uranus: The Magician

Gustav Holst’s famous orchestral suite ‘The Planets’ includes six movements; Uranus is one of them and depicts the mythical God of the sky in his magician form. Starting off with an ostinato rhythm on timpani, this music exudes power and intensity – it makes an excellent way to help pupils feel the beat, an essential skill for musicians! Pupils can use score, timpani part or images of the ostinato on screen to gain an understanding of rhythm. Tapping out 3 fingers onto hand or saying it out loud can help students grasp how music works!

Slow, dramatic, epic track featuring an aggressive brass section that soars – almost fanfare-style. Ideal for building tension and suspense while showing the strength and power of your band!

Mars represents the Roman god of war and this piece’s angry rhythms and pulsing drum beats give it a militaristic soundscape. Written before World War 1 even broke out, Holst seemed presciently aware of what lay ahead when writing this movement!

Cool blue Venus follows with tranquil tunes played on harps and flutes as well as shimmering strings – an appropriate soundtrack for Roman Venus.

Jupiter brings joy, both in an everyday and ceremonial sense, especially as part of religions or national celebrations. Saturn depicts an atmosphere of old age but can be counteracted with its stately processional theme, reminding us of ancient royalty.

Gustav Holst’s 6th movement from The Planets arranged here for 14-part Brass Ensemble with Timpani and Percussion is truly fantastic, and Ralph Sauer has done his arranging skills proud with this amazing performance piece that will certainly impress any audience! Ralph Sauer’s skill as an arranger shines here; make this piece accessible to young groups while maintaining all its drama and power! Ralph Sauer’s talents come into full effect here with this captivating performance piece sure to enthrall any listener! This piece will truly impress any listener! Ralph Sauer has truly brought out Ralph Sauer’s best in Ralph Sauer’s arrangement skills here with this incredible performance piece that will surely amaze all!