Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity

English composer Gustav Holst is best known for his seven-movement orchestral suite, the Planets, which debuted in 1918. Its admirers range from John Williams to Jimmy Page. He is a lesser known astrology lover (possibly an exaggeration on my part), each movement inspired by the celestial character of its titular planet. More fun facts: Holst set “In the Bleak Midwinter” to music, which is one of my favorite Christmas carols, and it can be argued that he is the original “More Cowbell” guy. In this case, we are demanding more kettle drums. He employs two timpanists to produce a more thunderous sound and runs the piccolos and flutes so quickly I am surprised no one asphyxiated. The effect is opening presents on Christmas morning McCallister style—that is, all at once. The piece is swift, spirited, and majestic. Ultimately, we are here for the swelling brass and sublime journey of a subtler interlude. The chorale starts at 3:07. When I first heard it, I was moved to tears.

Last Sunday, we got to see one of our favorite local bands, Edith Makes a Paper Chain, at Lulu’s. We were gifted an opening set by the lead singer’s daughter, Miette Hope, a Brooklyn-based producer, singer, and songwriter. She joined Jeremy Van Hoy, Edith’s trombone player, and the CC chamber orchestra on Tuesday for a space-themed concert in Shove Chapel. Opened with a climactic number from Interstellar (hello, pipe organ!) and closed with David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” Hearing the Planets live and rather spontaneously was a dream come true made all the more misty-eyed by being on my college campus.

Fisher, Timmy. “Five reasons to love Holst’s The Planets.” London Symphony Orchestra, 3 Sept. 2024, https://www.lso.co.uk/five-reasons-to-love-holsts-the-planets/. Accessed 4 May 2025.