Molly Puckett - Musical Storytelling

Recently, I have performed Gustav Holst’s The Planets as part of a choral ensemble in the last movement: Neptune. Each movement in the piece represents a different planet, with each movement differing from the last. Each movement paints the picture of the planet. Mars, the bringer of war and the first movement in the piece, uses musical techniques and instruments to simulate aggressive tone and almost war-like articulation. Venus is the bringer of peace. Jupiter is the bringer of jollity. Neptune represents the Mystic. All seven movements represent a different planet and each movement paints a different picture of the planet, using musical techniques. The Planets does not have words, even the choral part is only meant to be sung on one vowel (often an open Oh or Ah). Yet, the movements tell a story, coming together to form our universe. I find it very interesting that we can come up with images and stories in our head without the use of words. We can connect instrumental music to certain colors, shapes, and feelings. Even with no words, music is able to tell a story and because we are human, we can use symbols to create that story. 

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