First Sunday Music - Elgar

[HoosierHawk]

Edward Elgar

Elgar was born June 2, 1857, near Worcester. As a young man he filled several musical posts before succeeding his father as organist at Saint George's Roman Catholic Church, Worcester, in 1885. In 1889 he married and resigned his position to devote himself to composing. Elgar then lived alternately in London and near Worcester. The 1890 performance of his overture Froissart brought Elgar some recognition, but he did not become well known until 1899, when the Hungarian conductor Hans Richter performed Elgar's Variations on an Original Theme in London. That composition, better known as the Enigma Variations because the central theme is suggested but never overtly stated, is one of his most highly regarded and popular works. The Dreams of Gerontius, based on a poem by the British churchman John Henry Newman, and generally considered Elgar's masterpiece, firmly established the reputation of the composer. Elgar's work, a late example of romanticism, is notable for its wit, lyrical beauty, and distinctive form. Elgar also wrote the cantatas The Black Knight (1893) and Caractacus (1898); the oratorios The Apostles (1903) and The Kingdom (1906); a concerto for violin (1910) and one for cello (1919); and the five popular Pomp and Circumstance marches (1901-7, 1930). His orchestral works include the overture Cockaigne (1902); the symphonic study Falstaff (1913); and two symphonies, in A-flat (1908) and in E-flat (1911). He was at work on a third symphony at the time of his death, February 23, 1934, at Worcester.

Read more of Elgar's life and works.

Elgar - String Music
Introduction and Allegro, Op. 47
Serenade in E minor, Op. 20
Allegro piacevole
Larghetto
Allegretto - Come prima
Elegy, Op. 56
Sospiri, Op. 70

Enigma Variations

Pomp and Circumstance Marches
with Cockaigne (in Londontown) - Concert Overture, Op. 40

Sir John Barbirolli and Sir Adrian Boult conducting the London Symphony Orchesta, London Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra.

[HoosierHawk]

Prayers for our troops, veterans, families, friends, and allies.

Classical Music presented on the first Sunday of every month.

To be added to or removed from the First Sunday Music ping list, FReepmail HoosierHawk.

Keyword: firstsundaymusic

[HoosierHawk]

Ping to First Sunday Music with Elgar.

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

One of the greatest underrated composers, in my opinion. No Beethoven or JS Bach, of course. But he’s better than a lot of the canon out there that gets far more air time. IMHO

[Molly Pitcher]

Elgar appreciator here too.

[HoosierHawk]

Putting these monthly threads together gives me an opportunity to learn more about the composers and their music.

The more I learn, the more I appreciate the music. The more I appreciate, the more eager I am to learn. It's a vicious cycle!

: ) I'm glad others enjoy it as well.

[Erasmus]

He’s been called the “greatest English composer since Purcell” and is credited with the turn-of-century renascence of British music.

[MinuteGal]

I like Elgar very much. Good stuff to listen to.

Now I like him even more looking at that photo of him channel-surfing.

Leni

[Publius]

You should post a link to his Quintet for Piano and Strings in A minor, written in 1919. The slow movement is a masterpiece. In its middle section, there is a passage that describes inconsolable grief better than any other piece I’ve ever heard.

[sitetest]

Dear HoosierHawk,

Thanks for the ping!

Classical Music Ping List ping!

If you want on or off this list, let me know via FR e-mail.

Thanks,

sitetest

[curmudgeonII]

Thank you.

[MrsPatriot]

Elgar is one of my favorite composers, and Nimrod is my favorite of the Enigma Variations. What a treat. Thanks.

[HoosierHawk]

I’m glad you enjoy the music.

[etabeta]

another Elgar fan here. Thanks for the ping.

[HoosierHawk]

Hey, glad you enjoy it.

[MountainFlower]

Thanks, Hoosier! These threads are always a blessing. I love the music. Too bad it isn’t a part of my own collection! LOL

[seenenuf]

Thanks again for a wonderful profile and selection.
I’ve been listening for the past two weeks - it sure
helps the rest of the ‘news’ reading on FR. This is music to
sooth the beat up heart of freedom lovers everywhere.
Can’t wait to see what is on tap for April.