This is the most well-known and tuneful movement with influences of folk songs throughout the themes. This is another important feature of Holst's style. There are 4 main themes:
Theme A: Syncopated and based upon a pentatonic scale. It is played by the horns, violas, cellos and accompanied by the strings.
Theme B has a wave like contour and is played by the horns.
Theme C is based upon crotchets and triplets with strings chords accenting each bar.
Theme D is also played by horns and strings. It is hymn like and later patriotic words were added “I vow to thee my country”. Apparently, Holst was not thrilled about that!
