Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was a towering figure in English classical music, celebrated for his lush orchestral works that evoke the spirit of his Victorian and Edwardian era. Born in the small Worcestershire village of Lower Broadheath, Elgar rose from modest beginnings to become a master of the romantic symphony and concerto. Largely self-taught in music, he worked as a freelance composer and conductor, eventually achieving national fame with his "Enigma Variations" (1899), a set of orchestral pieces that offer a series of musical portraits of his friends.

Elgar's reputation was further secured with the rousing "Pomp and Circumstance Marches" (1901-1930), the first of which includes the famous "Land of Hope and Glory," often considered an unofficial English anthem. He was also noted for his extensive work in large-scale choral pieces, such as "The Dream of Gerontius" (1900), and his violin and cello concertos, which remain staples of the solo repertoire. Conferred with a knighthood in 1904, Elgar's contribution to British music was profound, embedding a sense of nobility and grandeur into the national consciousness. His legacy remains ever-present, as modern recordings and performances continue to celebrate the richness and emotional depth of his music, long after his death.

Genres

British Modern Classical

Classical

Late Romantic Era

Victorian Britain

Related Artists

Gustav Holst

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Jean Sibelius

Gustav Mahler

Frederick Delius

William Walton

Richard Strauss

Hubert Parry

Claude Debussy

Camille Saint-Saëns

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Felix Mendelssohn

Latest Release

Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: III. Adagio

Edward Elgar•

Gautier Capuçon•

Antonio Pappano•

London Symphony Orchestra

Single - Released September 13, 2024