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.
Through the act of coming together to play music, the annual Concert for the Planet will mark our global commitment to listen to each other and our planets needs. The inaugural Concert for the Planet 2015 will be a mass participation, multi location, simultaneous performance of Holst's "The Planets".
Theme C is based upon crotchets and triplets with strings chords accenting each bar.
Through the act of coming together to play music, the annual Concert for the Planet will mark our global commitment to listen to each other and our planets needs. The inaugural Concert for the Planet 2015 will be a mass participation, multi location, simultaneous performance of Holst's "The Planets".
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!
