Watch Holst - The Planets

Holst - The Planets is an enthralling experience for music lovers who are captivated by the celestial mysteries of our solar system. The movie’s main focus is on Gustav Holst’s seven-movement orchestral suite composed between 1914-1916. The conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of India, Zane Dalal leads an exceptional ensemble that delivers a spell-binding performance. The movie takes viewers on a spectacular journey with each planet visited with unique characteristics, myths, and symbolism which made Holst's musical vision so enduringly popular.

The first scene is of Venus, the bringer of peace. The score is serene, evocative of paradise, an "earthly paradise" as described by the composer himself. The musicians begin soft and delicate, then crescendos gracefully, expressing Holst's message of eternal tranquillity and calm.

Next, the orchestra moves on to Mars, the Bringer of War. The piece truly embodies the most recognizable themes from the seven movements, displaying the grandeur of war, the chaos of the battlefield, conquest, and the aftermath of destruction with a piercing intensity.

The Planets’ third movement is Mercury, the Winged Messenger. Holst wrote it intending to express the characteristics of the planet, which are most notably fast and elusive. The Orchestra’s performance effectively captures the elusive and sudden movements of Mercury, mesmerizing viewers with the juxtaposition of fast-paced trills and the high-pitched notes of the Piccolo.

The fourth scene depicts Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity, with its triumphant sweeping melody for full orchestra. This movement often played in British patriotic occasions as it has a majestic and regal feel to it, the call-and-response horn melody especially stands out in this heart-warming and uplifting score.

In the fifth scene, Holst takes us to Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age, and this piece fully conveys the somber and melancholy sensations of old age with its resonant chimes and low impressive string figures, winding down with the violins gracefully fading away.

Uranus, the Magician, brings us to the sixth movement. The score is mischievous and sprightly, with the trilling woodwinds and the glistening xylophone adding lightness to this piece that conveys exactly what the magician represents.

Finally, the movie concludes with Neptune, the Mystic. The music is reminiscent of ethereal harmonies, with a lulling choir that foregrounds the piece with the mystical mystery of the edge of the infinite. This composition paints an immense and cerebral image of Neptune, trying to contain the incomprehensible power that it possesses.

Overall, Holst - The Planets is an unforgettable cinematic performance, enchanting viewers and bringing them closer to the cosmos. The Symphony Orchestra of India, guided by conductor Zane Dalal, interpreted Holst's masterpiece in an outstanding and captivating way that one cannot help but feel moved by. The ensemble's synergy, skill and precision were impressive and unmistakable, creating a real synthesis of visual and textured art. All in all, Holst - The Planets is more than just a musical performance, it's a cinematic experience that is not to be missed.