Gustav Holst - Mars May 2026

Polytonality becomes Atonality: Gustav Holst, Mars - Repertoire

: At the beginning, the strings play col legno (with the wood of the bow), producing a dry, clicking sound that adds to the mechanical, ominous atmosphere. Gustav Holst - Mars

: The piece is famous for its clashing keys and bitonality (playing in two keys at once), which results in a sense of sheer terror and violence. Inspiration & Origins Polytonality becomes Atonality: Gustav Holst

: Holst uses a large orchestra, including a solo euphonium and heavy percussion like thundering timpani and a gong, to create a "martial soundscape". producing a dry