Sir Edward William Elgar
(1857-1934)
 

Elgar was borne on 02 June, 1857, at Broadheath, near Worcester, England. As a young man, he filled many posts before finally succeeding his own father as the organist at Saint George's Roman Catholic Church, Worcester, in 1885. He married, in 1889, and resigned his position to pursue a career in composition. At that point in his life, he alternated residence between London and Worcester.

Elgar's fame came when the Hungarian conductor, Hans Richter, performed his Variations on an Original Theme in London. That composition, more commonly known as the Enigma Variations because the central theme is suggested, however, never stated, is one of the most highly regarded and popular works. Nevertheless, Elgar is most highly regarded for his The Dreams of Gerontius and the five popular Pomp and Circumstance marches (1901-1907, 1930). The former was based upon a poem by the British churchman, John Henry Newman, and is generally considered Elgar's masterpiece. The composition, itself, is a late example of romanticism and is notable for its wit, lyrical beauty, and distinctive form. The latter, well, as everyone well knows, is played across the United States as part of Graduation Commencement ceremonies. Elgar was at work on a third symphony when he died on 23 February, 1934, at Worcester.
 

Dominant Compositions:
 

Orchestral Works
 

SYMPHONIES: Symphony No. 1 in A Flat (1908); Symphony No. 2 in E Flat (1911); he began work on a third symphony at the time of his death; a symphonic study, Falstaff (1913).
 

OTHER

WORKS: Several overture including, Cockaigne (1902) and Froissart (performed 1890); marches including, the five popular Pomp and Circumstance marches (1901-1907, 1930); a concerto for violin (1910); a concerto for cello (1919); Variations on an Original Theme (that composition is better known as the Enigma Variations); The Dream of Gerontius (based on a poem by British churchman, John Henry Newman and generally considered Elgar's masterpiece).
 

Vocal Music
 

CANTATAS: The Black Knight (1893) and Caractacus (1898).
 

ORATORIOS: The Apostles (1903) and The Kingdom (1906).