 The rhythm of the theme with its minim–crotchet and crotchet–minim rhythm is believed to be based upon medieval English carols; the "Agincourt Song" from 1415 in particular bears a strong resemblance.Holst uses many colourful effects to vary the chaconne theme.These include "band hits" (synonymous with the popular term "orchestra hits") in the brass and percussion outlining the notes of the theme while the woodwinds play virtuosic semiquaver runs.