Edward Elgar

Donald Macleod explores Edward Elgar’s music through the locations that inspired him.

Worcester-born, with his roots in the beautiful English countryside around Hereford and the Malverns yet drawn to the bright lights of London, English composer Edward Elgar moved house a lot. He lived in over 25 residences in his lifetime, stayed with friends, travelled often for work and pleasure in the UK, Europe and further afield, and had a number of second homes he rented as retreats. This week we’re focusing on the locations that were important to Elgar, and the places that inspired his music. Following Elgar’s journeys, Donald takes us from home life in the Midlands to country cottage holidays, summers in Europe and as far afield as the Amazon.

Music featured: Pomp and Circumstance March, Op 39 No 1 in D major Cockaigne (In London Town) Salut d'amour, Op 12 O Happy Eyes, Op 18 No 1 The Dream of Gerontius, Op 38 Owls, an Epitaph, Op 53 No 4 (Four Choral Songs) Enigma Variations, Op 36 Symphony No 2 (3rd movement) String Quartet (2nd movement) Introduction ‘The woodland interlude’ (Caractacus) Sea Pictures, Op 37 Piano Quintet, Op 84 (3rd movt - Andante – Allegro) Cello Concerto in E minor, Op 85 (1st movement) In Smyrna Paris – Five Quadrilles From the Bavarian Highlands, Op 27 Nos 3 - 6 In the South (Alassio) Mina The Wand of Youth Suite No 1, Op 1a Organ Sonata No 1 in G major, Op 28 (2nd movement) Severn Suite, Op 87 Lux Aeterna (choral arrangement of Enigma Variations Op 36 Nimrod by John Cameron)

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Amy Wheel for BBC Wales

For full tracklistings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Edward Elgar https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000754h

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z