Elgar, Edward 1857 - 1934
Author: Miyamoto, Yumi
Last updated：May 1, 2007
Author: Miyamoto, Yumi
British composer. Born in Broadheath, near Worcester, he began composing at the age of 10. Without formal musical education, he started working in a solicitor's office at 15 and became an independent musician at 16.
In 1885, he was appointed organist at St. George's Church. He had also been active as a violinist since 1873. He continued composing in parallel with his performing, teaching, and conducting activities. In 1889, he married, and in 1890, he moved to London, composing short pieces such as Salut d'Amour. However, he did not achieve success and left London in 1891.
Throughout the 1890s, he continued to write works for local choral and music festivals. In 1897, he composed Imperial March for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, which brought him his first success in London. In 1899, his Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma') for orchestra was premiered, making Elgar nationally famous, and in 1900, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Cambridge University. In 1901, he composed Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, the trio melody of which was later incorporated into Coronation Ode for Edward VII, becoming globally renowned.
In 1904, he was knighted, and in 1905, he became Professor of Music at the University of Birmingham. He resigned from his professorship in 1908 and composed Symphony No. 1. In 1910, his Violin Concerto was premiered by Fritz Kreisler. He actively published works in London until his wife's death in 1920, during which time masterpieces such as the Cello Concerto were created.
In 1923, he returned to his hometown, and in 1931, he was created 1st Baronet of Broadheath. He died in Worcester in 1934.
Works(28)
Piano Solo (9)
pieces (2)
character pieces (3)
transcription (1)
Various works (9)
Piano Ensemble (1)
Chamber Music (3)
Various works (5)
Romance (version for basson and piano) Op.62
Key: d-moll Composed in: 1910 Playing time: 5 min 00 sec