Gustav Holst was an English composer, born on September 21, 1874, in Cheltenham, England. He is best known for his orchestral suite, The Planets, which was composed between 1914 and 1917. This work features seven movements, each named after a planet in the solar system and its corresponding mythological character. Holst was also a skilled teacher and influenced many young musicians during his career. He composed various other works, including choral music and operas, but The Planets remains his most famous piece. Holst passed away on May 18, 1934, leaving a lasting legacy in classical music.