Performing Forces
The Performing Forces for this work are quite extensive. It is one of the biggest orchestras that can be found in most Classical works. Holst also uses something that not many composers had used before this time, the human voice. In the seventh movement, Holst uses female singers to offer more of an ominous feel to Neptune, in its far off edge of the solar system. Here is a list of all the instruments included in Holst's The Planets.
•Four Flutes (3rd to play 1st Piccolo, 4th to play 2nd Piccolo and Bass Flute)
•Three Oboes (3rd to play Bass Oboe)
•English Horn
•Three Clarinets in Bb and A
•Three Bassoons
•Double Bassoon
•Six Horns in F
•Four trumpets in C
•Two Tenor Trombones
•One Bass Trombone
•One Tenor Tuba in Bb
•One Bass Tuba
•Six Timpani
•Triangle
•Side Drum
•Tambourine
•Cymbals
•Bass Drum
•Gong
•Bells
•Glockenspiel
•Celesta
•Xylophone
•Two Harps
•Organ
•Strings
In the 7th Piece only, a Hidden Choir of Female voices in 6
•Four Flutes (3rd to play 1st Piccolo, 4th to play 2nd Piccolo and Bass Flute)
•Three Oboes (3rd to play Bass Oboe)
•English Horn
•Three Clarinets in Bb and A
•Three Bassoons
•Double Bassoon
•Six Horns in F
•Four trumpets in C
•Two Tenor Trombones
•One Bass Trombone
•One Tenor Tuba in Bb
•One Bass Tuba
•Six Timpani
•Triangle
•Side Drum
•Tambourine
•Cymbals
•Bass Drum
•Gong
•Bells
•Glockenspiel
•Celesta
•Xylophone
•Two Harps
•Organ
•Strings
In the 7th Piece only, a Hidden Choir of Female voices in 6
