Gustav Holst - IV. Jupiter: The Bringer of Jolity (The Planets)

The gas giant Jupiter is our solar system’s most massive world (more than twice all the others put together). Its Great Red Spot is a swirling maelstrom – bigger than Earth – that has raged on for at least 150 years, and perhaps much, much longer. Jupiter is “the bringer of jollity” in Holst’s envisioning. This heavyweight world brings scientists so much joy in part because it has one of the best candidate spots in our solar system to search for life. The search for life elsewhere in the universe (life as we know it, anyway) is also the search for water. Jupiter’s frozen moon Europa may contain a liquid ocean beneath its icy surface. Jupiter itself may not be so jolly a place to visit, but perhaps nearby teems a refuge of aquatic life? The joy and excitement of new discovery is expertly captured in Holst’s tribute. If we do someday find life in Jupiter’s neighborhood, “The Bringer of Jollity” would make for an excellent discovery fanfare.

The Planets, Op. 32, is a seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst. Each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the solar system and its corresponding astrological character as defined by Holst. This is the 4th movement, “Jupiter, The Bringer Of Jolity”, from orchestral suite “The Planets” (Op. 32) composed by Gustav Holst in 1914-1916. performed by the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band in a transcription by Merlin Patterson.

Images: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Music: United States Air Force Band | IPGS Music

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