HOLST – Main Theme ‘Andante Maestoso’ from Jupiter (The Planets) – 5 CELLOS or LARGER CELLO ENSEMBLE

Other Identification:
The Planets, Op. 32, is an innovative seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst, written between 1914 and 1917. Each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the Solar System and its supposed astrological character. In the last movement the orchestra is joined by a wordless female chorus.

Holst’s music caused some initial hostility among a minority of critics, but the suite quickly became and has remained hugely popular, influential and widely performed. The composer himself conducted two recordings of the work, and it has since been recorded nearly a hundred times as of 2023. It is part of the firm repertoire of conductors, choirs and orchestras from the UK and internationally.

Jupiter, sub-titled ‘the Bringer of Jollity’ is the fourth movement of the seven. The outer parts to this are truly ‘jolly’; the composer portrays Jupiter’s supposedly characteristic “abundance of life and vitality” with music that is buoyant and exuberant. However, nobility and generosity are also allegedly characteristics of those born under Jupiter, and so in the slower middle section Holst writes a broad inspiring tune embodying these ideals. This middle section theme is what is produced here for an ensemble of 5 Cellos, also being well possible to perform with a larger cello ensemble, and even by a large cello orchestra!