DESCRIPTION:
Gustav Holst - The Planets (1914-1916), No. 4, "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity."

Performed by Richard Markham and David Nettle.

Introductory note to The Planets by Imogen Holst:
"This is Holst's own version of The Planets for two pianos. Unlike most keyboard versions of an orchestral work it was not an arrangement of the full score. It existed before the orchestral score had been written out, although details of the instrumentation had already been clear in Holst's mind from the moment when he began sketching the work. The reason that he needed a keyboard version on paper was that he suffered from neuritis in his right arm, and this often prevented him from playing over his sketches while he was composing."

Jupiter is perhaps the most well-known movement from this suite. Starting with the blustery motion emerging left behind with Mercury, Jupiter finally settles on a regal hymn melody (Thaxted). Other upbeat British folk melodies mark the outer sections, forming a stately whole that creates a formidable centerpiece to the suite.