Edward Elgar (1857-1934)

Donald Macleod explores Elgar's own belief that he was an outsider from British society

Elgar is the composer we turn to in times of national celebration, of pride (Pomp and Circumstance Marches) and of public grief (Nimrod). He mingled with royalty and was made a knight of the realm, seemingly a pillar of the Edwardian and early 20th Century British establishment. And yet, for most of his life he felt himself to be a misfit. This week, Donald Macleod explores some of the reasons for that sense of unbelonging.

Music Featured:

Chanson du matin My love dwelt in a northern land Serenade for Strings (I. Allegro piacevole) Sea Pictures (I. Sea Slumber Song; II. In Haven (Capri); III. Sabbath Morning at Sea) Variations on an Original Theme “Enigma” (Var.7 (Troyte) – 14 (Finale - EDU)) Bavarian Dance No.1 From the Bavarian Highlands (V. On the Alm) The Dream of Gerontius, Part 2: “I see not those false spirits” … “Praise to the holiest” Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 in D The Apostles, Part 2, Scene 4: The Betrayal, In Gethsemane There is Sweet Music Introduction and Allegro In Smyrna Symphony No.1 in A flat (I. Andante (Nobilmente e semplice) – Allegro) Pomp and Circumstance March No.4 in G The Wand of Youth Suite (I. Fairies and Giants) Violin Concerto in B minor (I. Allegro) Piano Quintet in A minor (II. Adagio) Cockaigne (In London Town) – Overture Nursery Suite (I. Aubade; VI. The Merry Doll) Violin Sonata in E minor (III. Allegro non troppo) Cello Concerto in E minor Pomp and Circumstance March No.5 in C

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Graham Rogers

For full track listings, 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 (1857-1934) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001408x

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