Jupiter: the Bringer of Jollity

It is curious that Holst, in looking for a word to express “abundance of life and vitality,” chose “jollity” rather than “joviality” for his subtitle, the latter being derived from “Jove,” Jupiter's other name in mythology. In fact, several early reviewers mistakenly used “joviality” when they gave subtitles in their articles. On the other hand, the Oxford English Dictionary gives a much richer history for the composer's choice and a range of meaning which covers both joyous merrymaking and magnificent splendor. Also, it may be that Holst wished to avoid reference to the established astrological adjective, “jovial”; for the planet was not to bring the attributes of the mythological personage, but was to point toward human characteristics. In any case, early reviews suggest that the movement communicated quite clearly the attributes associated with the planet in astrology.

Vitality is evident in Jupiter from the opening waves of sixteenth notes and the energizing syncopations of the opening theme (Ex. 5.1a). The pesante theme at m. 65 (Ex. 5.1d) is dangerously close to a vaudeville finale, but it carries forward the jocular trochees which precede it (mm. 47–8, mm. 55–6; see Ex. 5.1c), and Holst's orchestral treatment develops the character continuously.