Publication Date
Spring 6-9-2026
School
School of Music
Major
Commercial Music
Keywords
Composer, Film Score, Star Wars, John Williams, Gustav Holst, The Planets, Classical Music
Disciplines
Composition | Fine Arts | Musicology | Music Theory | Other Film and Media Studies | Other History | Other Music
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Kara. "The Influence of Gustav Holst's The Planets on the Music of John Williams." 2026.
Abstract
Throughout his six-decade career in film music, John Williams has achieved incredible success. Yet, one of the most prominent criticisms of Williams’ work is that it borrows heavily from classical repertoire. It is common to read that Williams stole from composers such as Gustav Holst. This paper examines in what aspects and to what extent the music of Williams takes inspiration specifically from Holst’s The Planets. Overall style and specific excerpts will be compared to demonstrate that, while the two share some characteristics, there is not an overall sameness of style. It shall also be demonstrated that certain excerpts display striking similarity, implying direct inspiration. In conclusion, Holst is a secondary influence – audible but not pervasive in Williams’ musical language.
Included in
Composition Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Musicology Commons, Music Theory Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons, Other History Commons, Other Music Commons
