Those who love both astronomy and music can point to few classical music compositions with direct references to astronomy. Some have quasi-astronomical titles, such as Haydn's "Mercury" symphony and Mozart's "Jupiter" symphony, but these names are fanciful additions by others, unrelated to their composers' musical conceptions. The most familiar music conceived on an arguably astronomical subject is The Planets, an orchestral set of seven pieces by British grace. Along the way, a number of fine wind and string solos join to sing Venus's song of peace. Here our dazzling "Evening Star" is robed in luminous "white" music of exquisite poise and clarity. Then in "Mercury," Hoist superbly captures the innermost planet's swift pace, zipping so quickly from morning to evening sky, in sounds aptly fleet and elusive.
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