Mars (from The Planets) - Gustav Holst

'The Planets' by English composer Gustav Holst is a seven-movement orchestral suite in which each movement is named after a planet of the Solar System and its corresponding astrological character. The orchestration was very imaginative and colourful. The first movement of the Suite is 'Mars' with its corresponding astrological character, 'The Bringer of War'. 'Mars' portrays a world in the grip of cold, implacable brutality. The ominous nature of the marching pattern is reinforced by the unusual meter - groups of ?ve, rather than the conventional march tempo of four or two. Brasses represent military might in this music of formidable, almost unstoppable power. 'Mars' became one of the most popular movements from the suite and is often used in movies and commercials and performed on its own as well.