Gustav Holst Musical Guide to Astrology

Holst's famous orchestral suite The Planets is based on astrology rather than science. Each movement captures the psychological and mystical traits of the planets as defined by ancient zodiac traditions.

Composed between 1914 and 1917, the suite focuses on character traits like Mars as the Bringer of War and Venus as the Bringer of Peace. Holst did not intend to write a musical tribute to the physical planets we see through telescopes. Interestingly, Pluto is entirely absent because it had not yet been discovered when the work was premiered. The music remains a staple of film scores today, deeply influencing modern science fiction soundtracks.