Elgar, Sir Edward (1857-1934), a British composer, became best known for his Pomp and Circumstance, a set of five marches. He adapted the famous theme of the first Pomp and Circumstance march as the official ode for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. The composition generally called Elgar’s masterpiece is the oratorio The Dream of Gerontius (1900), based on a poem by Cardinal John Newman. Elgar also became known for The Enigma Variations for orchestra (1899), and Introduction and Allegro for strings (1905). In his compositions, Elgar showed a strong sense of the harmonies and musical forms of the romantic era.
Loading the player...Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1
Edward William Elgar was born on June 2, 1857, near Worcester, England, and was largely self-taught in composition. He wrote a number of choral works, including The Black Knight (1893), The Apostles (1903), The Kingdom (1906), and The Spirit of England (1916). Other successful works are the Cockaigne overture (1901), two symphonies, a violin concerto, and a cello concerto. Elgar died on Feb. 23, 1934.
Loading the player...The Dream of Gerontius by Elgar
