Mars, The Bringer of War - from Holst's The Planets

Since time immemorial, man has looked upon the heavens with a sense of awe, wonder, imagination and mystery. It was inevitable that interpretations of outer space would find their way into artistic endeavours, including our music. Composition of The Planets occupied Holst from 1914 to 1916. The first complete performance was conducted by Albert Coates on 15 November, 1920.
Such is the music’s originality, imagination and sensationalism that audiences have been looking ever since into Holst’s catalogue for more compositions of this nature - in vain. Atypical as it may be, The Planets remains by far Holst’s most popular work. Holst claimed that the individual titles of his Planets “were suggested by the astrological significance of the planets; there is no programme music, neither have they any connection with the deities of classical mythology.”
Mars represents the brutish, unfeeling, inhuman nature of mechanised warfare. “Unpleasant and terrifying” were Holst’s words to describe how the music should sound. A relentless pounding is set up in the opening bars, a pounding that carries through the entire movement. The unusual meter Holst chose for this music, 5/4, creates its own opportunities for musical warfare.
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Litton, Principal Guest Conductor
Watch the complete performance of The Planets at • HOLST The Planets
Recorded live at the Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore, on 8 Nov 2019.
Notes: Robert Markow
Photo: VANIT JANTHRA / NASA

[@abstract_geographika]

I'm glad the conductor came out alive from this passionate performance.

[@patriciahinkin9159]

Imagine conducting or even playing this music , I remember at school , our music teacher playing this to us , I was enchanted

[@AshtonBartelt]

We got to play it in marching band! 5/4 time was interesting to march

[@Tri-vy2th]

4:33 My guy feeling it

[@AshtonBartelt]

Using the force frfr

[@tonybarde2572]

It was the 19th of February, 1942. I was with my friend playing cards at a bar in Darwin, Australia. Suddenly, we heard a loud wailing sound. It started out low and got louder and louder. It was the sound of the air raid sirens! We went outside and we saw in the sky about 100 or more Japanese planes, fighters and bombers! Suddenly a bomb hit the department store across the street and we ran for shelter

[@patriciahinkin9159]

How exciting for all of them

[@tonybarde2572]

@@patriciahinkin9159 It was a nightmare

[@nicholasbarber8531]

Come for the song, stay for the conductor.

[@yeboiepiktrix524]

This song is way ahead of its time

[@patriciahinkin9159]

I remember a music teacher saying , I'm not saying anything , just listen, wow wow wow

[@danielcruz8347]

Great opening sequence!! ""What is this that stands before me? ""

[@patriciahinkin9159]

The one piece of clasdical music i would love to hear in front of a wonderful orchestra

[@TheIpazia1]

Grazie mille Singapore simphony, musica per mè inedita, Marte è il mio pianeta, mi è piacciuta 💕

[@noone4401]

Dude, that conductor ducking rocks

[@energiger]

Music is all

[@irsishbomb5626]

mans looked like he was trying to push a shit out at the end-

[@Magic_mitsuki.exe.]

*me literally being given this from my music teacher*

[@SHAFT-09-]

❤

[@patriciahinkin9159]

Wow wow wow wow wow

[@farahtabana8902]

My music teacher let us hear this song 🎶🎶🎶

[@theodoregross1738]

We marched.to this in high school marching band.

[@marcodob2920]

Sounds like a star wars scene intro

[@nelrick]

It was used in Total Recall. I'm sure John Williams was heavily influenced by Gustave Holst for his work on Star Wars also.

[@lin966871013]

這意義一樣誒ㄚㄋㄟㄢˋㄠ

[@patriciahinkin9159]

Our music teacher , so, classical music is boring , listen to this , then tell me it's boring.

[@elikins3643]

Amazing. Incredible. Thanks From Argentina.

[@christopheredwards4809]

Dean Malenko

[@farahtabana8902]

Oh and check out the one with the girl it is funny🥁

[@BruceBowman42]

BLACK SABBATH

[@matthewhughes2866]

Lady! Mom call the dog