Jupiter (arr Brown)

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Gustav Holst

Gustav Holst (arr. Brian Brown)


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General Info

Year: 1916 /
Duration: c. 5:55
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Manuscript
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Instrumentation

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Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Jupiter, "the Bringer of Jollity,” with its Falstaffian sense of humor, is the most popular of the movements of Holst's The Planets suite, and it conveys the astrological significance of Jupiter as benevolent and generous. Perhaps the cause of its popularity lies in the very English tune which is introduced toward the middle of the movement. Solemn and carol-like, the melody was later arranged as the hymn tune Thaxted, after the village where Holst lived for many years. Adapted to fit a poem by Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, I vow to thee, my country, the music became associated with the strong patriotic feelings resulting from the human cost of World War I. Later, the tune was incorporated in the hymn O God Beyond All Praising. It has even been used as the theme of the Rugby Union World Cup since 1991.

- Program Note from Illinois State University Symphonic Winds concert program, 16 November 2016


The Planets, op. 32, is a seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst, written between 1914 and 1916. Each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the solar system and its corresponding astrological character as defined by Hoist. Each movement is intended to convey ideas and emotions associated with the influence of the planets on the psyche, not the Roman deities.

Jupiter serves as the center point of this greater work, both in order and breadth. “Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity,” evokes both a sense of fun and, according to Holst, “the more ceremonial type of rejoicing associated with religious or national festivities.” Beginning with a vigorous tune against rapidly moving mallets and woodwinds, the movement quickly brings forth several celebratory themes. The central section segues into a stately, ceremonial chorale melody reminiscent of Elgar — in fact, Holst also set this melody as a separate hymn Vow to Thee, My Country. The hymn ends on an unresolved chord that is immediately met by the joyous motifs of the first section, drawing to a brilliant finish.

The Brian Brown arrangement is designed to feature a large horn ensemble.

- Program Note from T.A. Howard Middle School Honor Band concert program, 21 December 2017


Media

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State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Music


Resources

  • Gibbs, Alan. "How did Holst conduct 'The Planets.'" Tempo, vol. 66, no. 261, July 2012, pp. 51-58.
  • The Planets. Wikipedia. Accessed 6 August 2023
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