Gustav Holst

A lot of people already know "The Planets Suite", and I'd like to write a lot about it. But I've got myself some of Holst's lesser known works, and I was in for a pleasant treat - fleeting, but pleasant.

The lines are not as memorable as how "The Planets Suite" has moved me, but his other works seem to have made some impression. It's very American / very English - I don't know how to really define it, but it sounds very Western, with touches of trying itself to sound German or Russian. This notion might have been brought about by the fact that Holst has written his music much after the classical greats and still, probably, making an effort to write music similar to those in previous eras. In fact, some of his works are named with the word "Fugal" - and could have been patterned from or inspired by Fugues of the baroque. But these could be all just based on my personal perceptions or reactions to Holst's compositions.

I was able to listen to a couple of March movements, reminds me of an American parade of soldiers. Very representative of what could be played during a triumphant celebration, or while impressing an important political visitor.

But the surprise to me really was his "Short Pianoforte Trio in E Major", especially how the first movement opened itself up. It sounded like a fast-paced Debussy, but with less drama and more motion.

A lot of countryside themes here and there. "Brook Green Suite", "Morris Dance Tunes" (with movements such as "Bean Setting", "Country Gardens"). Again, pleasant to the ear but a little fleeting.

One reason for this slightly out of touch feeling could be due to a hodgepodge of here and there techniques. Some atonal points, a lot of contrapuntal themes, fugal works, some romanticism. I cannot really say there's a distinct identity to some of the suites, even those that are countryside themed. Some are nice to hear, pleasant to experience, but a bit lacking in retention to me.

"St. Paul's Suite" was good too, one of the less forgettable ones. At least there's a line or two in each movement that makes you want to listen to it again. I particularly liked the first movement, "Jig", the most. Very engaging central theme.

There were a lot of power bass strings though, across compositions - great lines for the cello and double bass.

But I think there's no argument - "The Planets Suite" is never fleeting. A monumental piece of music art.

I never paid attention that much to it when I was a child (I just played the cassette tape once and never got to really appreciate it back then). Since Saturn is my favorite planet, I listened to it first. It sounded horrible to me. It sounded gloomy, unattractive - when I thought Saturn should represent beauty, wonder. And then I saw from the track list, "Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age". Very odd. Until now, I don't really get the analogy.

I've been an avid listener of Holst's "The Planets Suite" since I re-opened myself up to the world of classical music. What I used to ignore when I was a youngster is now something that seems hard to forego.

Mars, the Bringer of War
I used to hate this movement. It was just utterly loud for my ears. But then, it's war, isn't it? I guess it really was Holst's intention to make it hateful, filled with wrath. Having listened to it several times, the one part I look forward to the most is the rapid, abrupt glissando of strings towards the end.

Venus, the Bringer of Peace
This used to be sound too soft for me when I heard it, to the point that it actually bored me (this was one of the longer movements). But having listened to it intently, this is now one of my favorites (together with Saturn). Very delicate progression from one musical thought to the next.

Mercury, the Winged Messenger
Less impactful to me than the other movements, but the music suits the description a lot. Quick, innocent, playful.

Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
Everybody who knows "The Planets Suite" knows this movement a lot. My father pointed this out significantly while we were watching Barcelona Olympics' Opening Ceremony of 1992 on TV. Jupiter on the background, a short presentation of the world's creation on field demonstration. I think what they were showing that moment was the time after water was formed and man was there to establish societies. I really have a hazy memory about the scene. Anyway, Jupiter has one of the catchier tunes in the whole suite, one of the more popular works. I used to like it a lot, but I seem to have overplayed it that it somehow lost some of its charm to me. The brass crescendo on the mid/latter part of the piece never fails, though - that one never lost its charm.

Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age
Okay, I still don't get the analogy but I never saw Saturn as an Old Age planet. I'm now rationalizing that maybe it's covered in icy, painful air that seems to make it gloomy and less attractive compared to other planets. I'm thinking about maturity at this point as well, but I never perceived Saturn to be as commanding as Jupiter (based on size and shape). But I've grown to love this movement. Brings powerful and effective appreciation for the woodwinds and brass. I also love those last few phrases of music. Those spellbinding repetition of notes, taking Saturn away bit by bit. Brilliant use of light percussion.

Uranus, the Magician
A bit of a march-like tune to this piece, which I would like to compare with Mercury in terms of impact. But it does has some adventurous lines after the first few brass notes. There's a feeling of good humor in several parts of the piece. And then regaining some seriousness towards the end.

Neptune, the Mystic
The perfect mixture of winds, strings, percussion to put a touch of mystery into music. Those voices towards the end add a lot to its beauty which is known to a lot of classical music lovers to day. Those last few whispers of music. fading slowly, a gradual fading of Neptune into darkness, with so little known about it in Holst's time.

I have sampled in amazon.com some music by Colin Matthews on his "Pluto, the Renewer", an addendum he composed for "The Planets Suite". Of course, it was a short sample - I didn't get to listen to the whole thing. But from what I've heard, it's hard to imagine a better depiction of Pluto. Non-imposing, firm, but with a little bit of darkness. But this stands for just the first minute or so. What's next would be a trip to the music store to fetch myself a copy of this.

I guess Holst got it right anyway, after Pluto's demotion from a planet to a dwarf status. Matthews made a good effort, though. I was looking for Pluto when I first saw Holst's track list and I must admit I felt a little upset.

The Planets Suite:
Mars, the Bringer of War
Venus, the Bringer of Peace
Mercury, the Winged Messenger
Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age
Uranus, the Magician
Neptune, the Mystic