Gustavus Theodore von Holst was born on this date, September 21, 152 years ago in 1874. A shy English man best known for his large orchestral suite, The Planets, was inspired by his interest in astrology where each planet is represented with a distinct character. Much of his life centered on aspects of Indian spirituality and English folk songs. Holst’s music combines English folk music, Sanskrit literature, Hindu philosophy, mysticism, and highly original harmonic and rhythmic ideas. He was particularly interested in unusual scales and rhythmic patterns. His two suites for military band have become staples for wind ensembles and he pioneered music education for females at St. Paul’s Girls’ School where he taught from 1905 to the year of his demise in 1934. “Music, being identical with heaven, isn't a thing of momentary thrills, or even hourly ones. It's a condition of eternity.”