Mars from The Planets
Gustav Holst
If the video is blocked by your school network, use one of the direct listening links.
First listen
Listen once without writing. What do you notice?
Listen closely
1 RHYTHMDoes the rhythm feel smooth or stomping?
Sentence stemThe rhythm feels ___.
Vocabulary
- stomping
- repeated
- marching
2 DYNAMICSWhen does the music sound most powerful?
Sentence stemThe music is most powerful when ___.
Vocabulary
- loud
- very loud
- quiet
3 TIMBREWhich instruments make the music sound dark or strong?
Sentence stemI can hear strong ___.
Vocabulary
- brass
- strings
- drums
- full orchestra
4 PULSECan you clap the steady beat?
Sentence stemThe beat is ___.
Vocabulary
- steady
- strong
- marching
5 PITCHDo the sounds seem high, low or mixed?
Sentence stemThe sounds are ___.
Vocabulary
- high
- low
- mixed
How does this piece make you feel?
There is no right or wrong answer. Which words match your response?
calmexcitedhopefulcuriousjoyfulpowerfulpeacefultensedreamybravethoughtfulenergeticmysteriouscomfortedrestlessproudsadsurprisedupliftedfocused
Music through time
1914 · 20th-century orchestral
- Medieval500–1400
- Baroque1600–1750
- Classical1750–1820
- Romantic1820–1900
- 20th century1900–2000
- Contemporary2000–present