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