"Jupiter," one of the most famous pieces from Holst's suite The Planets, is known for its grand and dramatic development. It begins with a lively and rhythmic passage before transitioning into a beautiful melody in the middle section, widely recognized as Jupiter. This melody was later adapted with lyrics and has been performed in various settings. With its vast scale and moving tune, Jupiter has been featured in numerous films, TV programs, and even as entrance music for sporting events, making it a well-loved piece beyond the realm of classical music.
■Arrangement Details(explanation：Miyu Yokoyama)
Jupiter is the fourth movement from The Planets, an orchestral suite by British composer Gustav Holst, with the subtitle “the Bringer of Jollity.” This piece follows a large three-part structure, and in this unique arrangement for saxophone quartet, the middle section, Andante maestoso, takes full advantage of the saxophone's distinctive resonance. Despite the smaller ensemble size for the first and third sections, the saxophone quartet’s diverse tonal palette brings forth the beauty and delicate sound that are characteristic of Holst’s style. This arrangement was crafted to celebrate each quartet’s individual charm and to offer the challenge of capturing Holst’s unique sound in this intimate format.
