Holst's suite The Planets was written between 1914 and 1916 and with the exception of Mercury, which was written last, Holst wrote the music in the sequence we hear them. So, in 1914, came the insistent rhythmic tread of Mars, The Bringer of War. It is widely known that the sketches were completed prior to the outbreak of the First World War, so the music is less a reaction to the declaration of war itself, but more an impending sense of inevitability of a war to unfold. An ideal concert opener, especially in this current year as it is not only the 100th anniversary of the piece itself, but of The Great War. Duration: 7:20
