(This post was “sponsored” by my husband - meaning he suggested the topic.)

The Planets is a 7 part orchestral piece by Gustav Holst written between 1914 – 1916. Holst interpreted each planet in the piece (except for Earth) astrologically instead of celestially. Each movement is intended to convey ideas and emotions that he associated with the influence of the planets on the psyche. He referred to this piece as ”a series of mood pictures.” and considered it to be a representation of the progression of life.

The 7 suites include:
- 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

End note:

Holst never wrote another piece like The Planets again. He hated its popularity. When people would ask for his autograph, he gave them a typed sheet of paper that stated that he didn’t give out autographs. The public seemed to demand of him more music like The Planets, and his later music seemed to disappoint them. In fact, after writing the piece, he swore off his belief in astrology, though until the end of his life he cast his friends horoscopes. (SOURCE)

Read more about the piece HERE. Listen to it HERE.