Holst’s “Mars” and “Jupiter” from “The Planets”
Notes by TŌN violist Tania Ladino Ramírez
The Planets is a masterpiece that has left a significant mark on popular and cinematic music, which can be attributed to what has been described as its visual power. It was a source of inspiration for figures like John Williams and Hans Zimmer, who incorporated elements of its style into the soundtracks of movies such as Star Wars and Gladiator.
The piece is a musical journey through the solar system that uses dramatic portrayals that imbue each planet with personality. The composer, a Virgo himself, was passionate about astrology and horoscopes, a fascination reflected in his allusion to the astrological traits attributed to each planet. Today we will listen to two of these musical representations, which, in their contrast, highlight the emotional and dramatic breadth of the work: “Mars, the Bringer of War”, with its warlike intensity, and “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity”, with its festive grandeur.
Mars is epic, dramatic, somber, and fierce—a perfect soundtrack for a violent cosmic conflict. The portrayal requires ruthless rhythmic precision from the musicians, and the predominance of powerful brass and percussion chords paints a picture for us of an unstoppable enemy pushing forward. It is a perfect reflection of the violence and destruction it symbolizes. As the music increases its intensity and tension progressively, war itself has arrived.
Jupiter, on the other hand, is associated in astrology with generosity and good fortune. Brass and strings create a sense of grandeur and joy. Then, in the famous central section known as “The Jupiter March”, a theme emerges filled with benevolence and optimism. This melody has been so influential that it has been used in various adaptations, including the British patriotic hymn “I Vow to Thee, My Country”. Jupiter brings us celebration and hope, a magical moment among the stars, a victory, light in the midst of darkness.
It is impressive to imagine a London audience in 1918 listening to this piece at its premiere, when it still sounds so current and vibrant today. To me, this work is a tribute to the marvelous, to the very human desire to approach the mystical, the fantastic, and the unknown—hence its power to move generations of listeners, composers, and performers with its descriptive quality and emotional depth.