Neptune, the Mystic

    Finally, we reach the farthest planet from our Sun, Neptune. It is so far away that it remained undiscovered until 1846. The truth is, Neptune was assumed to be a star rather than a planet when first observed by Galileo during 1612～1613. No wonder Gustav would call it “Neptune, the Mystic.”

                                                                   

    We can tell how “mysterious” Neptune is by its story: people didn’t discovery it by “seeing” it through a telescope. Instead, they do lots of calculation to predict its position. It seems that Neptune isn’t really willing to show himself! And that make Neptune the only planet named in modern times.

Even now, Neptune is still surrounded by many mysteries.

                       picture from: http://www.science-story.com/neptune-planet-poster.php

    Now, it’s time to enjoy the movement!

     

    The melody is really graceful and calm, but meanwhile a little creepy, I think. It makes me feel drifting in world made of nothing but shatters of stars. The most special part of this movement is the adding of female chorus(女聲合唱). You can hear it especially at the end. That undoubtedly uplifts the mysterious and aerial(飄渺的) atmosphere. Since this is the last movement of “The Planet Suites”, the whole composition is perfectly concluded by Neptune in a profound way. But don’t worry!! I will still post some fun information about this suite next week!:D

Uranus, the Magician

    As being further and further from the Earth, we are now floating above this blue giant – Uranus. Considered as the God of sky in Greek myth, Uranus is famous for its beautiful light blue atmosphere. Blue always gives people a grace and magical imagine. Maybe that’s why Gustav Holst wrote “Uranus, the Magician” for this very planet.

    The whole melody of this movement is continuously from passionate to mysterious, and then back to enthusiastic. Then, all things gradually disappear without any trails. It is hard to predict how the music will evolve, because it is constantly changing. It reminds me a wizard in the Middle Ages, who is busy for making the greatest potion of all time. Smoke and lighting of strange color come in and out of the pot, reflecting the wizard’s slender shadow on the wall.

    Have you seen “Fantasia” form Disney? This time, focus more on the background music. You can notice that “Uranus, the Magician” has a great impact on it!

    And through today’s “Space School”, you can learn more about Uranus!

    Look! Uranus is rotating from north to south! That’s a very impressive magic, isn’t it?

Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age

      Hello! This is my first post after the mid-term exams, “Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age.” According to the composer, Gustav Holst, the title “old age” is not limited to the physical decay. That is, this movement also describes the decay of one’s mind. And, it perfectly meets my sorrow after seeing my calculus grade.

      Although representing aging in this movement, Saturn is regarded as the god of harvest in Greek/Roman myth. With its shining and majestic ring, Saturn is the most eye-catching planet in our solar system as well. You can learn more about it from “Space School” below!

      So, how does this movement describe “aging”? It stares from a slow melody, which depicts the stream of time and the staggering footsteps of the elderly. And then, it gradually unfolds to powerful theme. Maybe it represents the old men’s ambition and unwilling to wither. (烈士暮年，壯心不已) The ringing bells around 5:30 is our fear of facing death. After the terrifying bells, the emotions shift dramatically. It becomes so peace and sublime.

      And that brings out a big question to me. As a living girl, it’s hard to accept death calmly. But being truly touched by it, maybe I can understand and embrace getting old as well as death some day.

      By the way, hope you all get good grade in mid-term exams! If you didn’t, you could turn to music for consolation like me.XD