Edward Holst The Planet Analysis

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When one thinks of great classical composers, popular artists such as Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky, and many others come to mind. However, many people don’t acknowledge the lesser known composers, such as Gustav Holst. Holst was one of many composers who got caught up in the misfortune of being recognized for only one work, “despite having written many that merit recognition” (Heffer, “Holst: Beyond ‘The Planets’”). Holst was generally not liked, aside from ‘The Planets”, due to the fact that he was known for writing “austere” and “stark” compositions. However, this is what set him apart from the rest of composers of his time. Holst was truly a talented composer, made great songs, and should not be acknowledged for his most popular work, but his …show more content…

The piece also switches from 3/2 back to the original time, 4/2. An oboe plays on top of the ostinato, followed by the main fugue from the scherzo from a flute. A solo clarinet plays the same fugue following the flute. Both continue to play, but this time, the two are in harmony, unlike in the scherzo in which both struggled for coexistence. The same melodies are passed from the woodwinds to the brass, all the while, the ostinato starts to become more and more fragmented, “sporadic, even” (Biles, Logan). A baritone enters, playing a somber melody, and the piece ends with the basses echoing a descending step from G to …show more content…

So when I found out about this assignment, late-July, due to the fact that I was not there for the last two days, I looked for his name on the list. I found his name, and the first thought that came to mind was his ever-famous piece, “The Planets”. Having known that Holst did not like to be recognized by this piece alone, I decided to educate myself in a different piece. When I first listened to Hammersmith, I was immediately drawn to the song because of the ostinato and the contrasting keys in the beginning. I continued to listen to the song, and I fell in love. I knew that this song was one I wanted to write about. The song was put on replay and every time I listened, I paid attention to each and every single element of the song. I found that Holst tends to have that effect on his listeners because every time you listen, you find something new. I began my research and found the backstory to this piece. Holst tells a story about his “two worlds”; the calmness that an unconcerned river brings and a boisterous, bustling city. Already, I knew that this was going to be an interesting piece to write about because of the contrasting

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