Â鶹ԼÅÄ

‘The Planets’ is a seven-movement suite for orchestra by English composer Gustav Holst. His most popular work, it has been widely performed and recorded from its premiere in 1918 to the present day.

Depicting the characteristics of Earth’s neighbours in the solar system, ‘The Planets’ draws on concepts from astrology and presents them with a colourful, evocative and powerful orchestration. Composed during the First World War, the themes of war, glory and peace reflect the emotions in Europe at the time, and reveals the influence of composers such as Stravinksy and Schoenberg.

The suite opens with ‘Mars the Bringer of War’, which has inspired film music such as John Williams’s ‘Imperial March’ from Star Wars. The work has also been the inspiration for other music, as the famous hymn tune ‘I Vow to Thee my Country’, regularly sung on Remembrance Day, is taken from ‘Jupiter the Bringer of Jollity’.

This performance took place in Brangwyn Hall Swansea in 2015, with conductor Martyn Brabbins and the Ladies of the Â鶹ԼÅÄ National Chorus of Wales. We hope you enjoy listening to it!

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