Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! In this second episode of our three-part series on the incredible composer Gustav Holst, we’re diving into one of his most famous and beloved works: The Planets. Whether you’re a budding astronomer, a lover of mythology, or a homeschooling student learning about the solar system, this episode offers a fun and fascinating musical journey through the stars.
In The Planets, Holst composed a suite of seven movements, each named after a different planet in our solar system and its corresponding astrological character. Holst’s fascination with astrology — a belief some held that the positions and movements of stars and planets might influence lives on Earth—played a significant role in the creation of this work.
We’ll explore how Holst used music to bring these celestial bodies to life, portraying the intense and dramatic nature of Mars, the serene beauty of Venus, the playful speed of Mercury, the jubilant energy of Jupiter, the solemn wisdom of Saturn, the mysterious magic of Uranus, and the ethereal mysticism of Neptune.
This episode is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and homeschoolers alike, as it connects the worlds of music, mythology, and the cosmos. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to experience how music can convey the character and personality of each planet.
If you missed the first episode in this series, where we discussed Holst’s life and musical style, be sure to check it out [here](#). And don’t forget to explore our curated playlist of The Planets, linked in the show notes, to hear more of Holst’s incredible work.
In our next episode, we’ll take an in-depth look at another of Holst’s other notable works and his lasting legacy in the world of music. Until then, keep listening and keep loving music!
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode 130: The Life of Gustav Holst
Musical Samples You’ll Hear in this Episode:
Holst: The Planets, ‘Mars’ – BBC Proms
The Planets – II. Venus, The Bringer of Peace – Gustav Holst
The Planets – III. Mercury, the Winged Messenger – Gustav Holst
The Planets – IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity – Gustav Holst
The Planets – VI. Uranus, the Magician – Gustav Holst
The Planets – VII. Neptune, the Mystic – Gustav Holst
Playlist for Episode 131
I’ve curated a playlist on YouTube of the pieces you heard in today’s episode (in addition to a few additional performances of the Jupiter theme). Listen here.
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