Holst: Venus, the Bringer of Peace (and Enjoyment)

The joyfulness and sweetness of Venus, the Bringer of Pleasure and Love, and ruler of Taurus and Libra.

Holst: The Planets - Uranus, the Magician

The German musical letters in Holst’s name G, Es, A H (G, E flat, A, B) are announced like powerful incantation on the trumpets and trombones (Holst’s own instrument). Out of the resigned serenity of Saturn. Holst bursts with confidence, enthusiasm, humour and originality. 
In astrology Uranus governs the forces we cannot see or understand and is illogical and erratic, but also it has a passionate energy not too dissimilar to Mars. All this can be heard and felt in this wonderful but powerfully extrovert movement. -Words by Raymond Head

Gustav Holst, Op. 32 - "Mercury, the Messenger"

Gustav Holst's "Mercury." from The Planets. 

Gustav Holst: "The Planets" (Op. 32)

Gustav Holst: The Planets Op. 32

Mars, the Bringer of War - Venus, the Bringer of Peace - Mercury, the Winged Messenger - Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity - Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age - Uranus, the Magician - Neptune, the Mystic.

Holst called his piece "a series of mood pictures." He seemed to consider The Planets a progression of life. "Mars" perhaps serves as a rocky and tormenting beginning; it was written in 1914, and clearly forecasts the upcoming devastation of World War I. In contrast, the gentle restrains of "Venus" seems to provide an answer to "Mars" and the concept of Venus as "the bringer of peace" helps aid that claim. "Mercury" and its delightfully quick movements can be thought of as the messenger between our world and the other worlds. Perhaps "Jupiter" and its optimistic nature represents the "prime" of life, even with the overplayed central melody, which was later arranged to the words of "I vow to thee, my country."

"Saturn" can be viewed as indicative of Holst's later mature style, and also reflects the death of Holst's father. Through "Saturn" it can be said that old age is not always peaceful and happy. The movement may display the ongoing struggle for life against the odd supernatural forces. This notion may be somewhat outlandish, but the music seems to lend credence to this. 

"Saturn" is followed by "Uranus, the Magician," a quirky scherzo displaying a robust musical climax before the tranquility of the female choir in "Neptune" enchants the audience.

Gustav Holst - Neptune the Mystic

HOLST - Saturn from "The Planets Suite"

Gustav Holst - The Planets - Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity

Gustav Holst - The Planets - Mars, the Bringer of War

Yes, this was used in the movie "Gladiator" to show the Roman army movement before battle.