The Planet Names
Name the planet that is left out of this music.
Earth
Who is the composer of "The Planets"
Gustav Holst
What is the name of the type of ensemble (group) that plays this music?
An Orchestra
Name one instrument used in the planets.
Any orchestral instrument on the wall.
Why is Pluto not included in Holst's "The Planets"?
It wasn't discovered yet.
Name the planet that is nicknamed "The Bringer of War"
Mars
What country is the composer from?
England
How did Gustav Holst make Mars sound so militant (war-like)?
He used a lot of percussion and brass instruments.
Which planet used the keyboard instrument called the Celesta?
Mercury
Why didn't Holst travel into outer space to get a better view of the planets when he wrote this music?
Space travel wasn't yet possible when he wrote it from (1914-1917).
Venus is known as the "Bringer of What?"
Peace
About how many years ago did Gustav Holst compose "The Planets"?
Just over 100 years ago, from 1914 to 1917.
Is the music for Mercury fast or slow?
Fast
What two instruments did we play in the "Planets - Chant It"?
Finger cymbals and metallophones/glockenspiels
Which planet is the biggest?
Jupiter
Why is Mercury called the "Winged Messenger"
Because it revolves so fast around the sun.
How old was Gustav Holst when he died?
60
Does this music generally sound modern or old?
Modern
In Mars, Holst used a special technique with the string instruments called col legno. Explain what this is.
Using the wooden side of the bow on the strings.
Which planet has the fastest orbit?
Mercury
Jupiter is nicknamed the "Bringer of Jollity". What does this mean?
"Jollity" means happiness and joy.
Other than composing, what else did Gustav Holst do?
He performed, conducted, taught music at St.Paul's Girls School in London.
Who wrote the chant we performed called "The Planets - Chant It"?
Mr. Kreismer
Name the percussion instrument Gustav Holst uses in great numbers (8 in total) that require two players in Jupiter.
The tympani
Describe how the keyboard instrument called the celesta makes it's sound.
Small bell-like bars are hit with mallets when the keys are pressed.