Jupiter is one movement from The Planets, a suite by the British composer Gustav Holst. It was written for two pianos between 1914 and 1916, and Holst began orchestrating it for a large orchestra in 1917. After several unofficial try-out performances from 1918, it was officially premiered in 1920. The Planets, which includes this piece, is a suite consisting of seven movements, each named after a planet and given an accompanying subtitle.  At the time of composition, Holst was deeply interested in astrology, and the suite was inspired by the mysticism of astrology rather than astronomy. However, despite drawing inspiration from astrology, Holst himself stated that the work is not program music, saying, "I want people to listen to it freely, expanding their own imaginations based on each subtitle." Jupiter is subtitled "The Bringer of Jollity."  The original term "Jollity" signifies "a cheerful, lively, and humorous feeling," which differs slightly from the Japanese translation "Kairaku" (pleasure/enjoyment). Holst explained that this piece "expresses a ceremonial joy associated with national events and religious celebrations."  The Planets premiered in 1920 to great success, and Holst's name became instantly famous. However, after some time, the work's popularity waned, and by the 1950s, it was regarded as merely a fine work by a British composer. The resurgence of interest in this piece is largely attributed to Herbert von Karajan, one of the 20th century's leading conductors. From around 1961, Karajan actively performed The Planets with the Vienna Philharmonic, increasing its recognition and establishing The Planets as a popular classical work.  

Musical Structure

Next, let's examine the musical structure. Allegro giocoso, C major, 2/4 time, in ternary form. The first section begins in C major, with a majestic fanfare-like first theme resounding over finely articulated passages. Following a transitional passage, it proceeds to a rhythmic and dynamic second theme, and then to a folk-dance-like third theme in 3/4 time. In the trio section of the second part, the music modulates to E-flat major, and the most famous melody from The Planets appears. This melody is filled with the familiarity and grandeur of a nostalgic folk song. In the third section, the three themes from the first section are developed through repeated modulations, coloring the music with a sense of recollection. The piece concludes with a powerful fortissimo coda, bringing it to a brilliant close.  Holst's distinctive style shines through in his unique chord voicings and richly colorful orchestration. Furthermore, the work incorporates experimental musical approaches, such as Holst's research into folk music and the augmentation of the horn section from the usual four to six, yet it remains a relatively accessible work among 20th-century compositions.  The Andante maestoso melody in the central trio section is particularly beautiful and was arranged by Holst himself into a choral piece with orchestra. The lyrics were written by the British diplomat Cecil Spring Rice. Both the lyrics and music for this piece were created during World War I, which engulfed Europe in conflict. The first stanza of the lyrics expresses loyalty to one's homeland, while the second describes an ideal, peaceful nation. Thus, imbued with prayers for peace for those who sacrificed their lives in the war, this piece, titled I Vow Thee, My Country, became widely beloved by the British people and is now sung at royal events and remembrance ceremonies for the war dead. This melody is also included under the title Thaxted in the hymn book Songs of Praise, supervised in 1926 by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Holst's friend from his Royal College of Music days.    Although this piece was created during the tragic era of World War I, it continues to convey to many people, even today, the difficulty and importance of achieving a peaceful world free from war.