English Composer Sir Edward Elgar Was Born in 1857

English composer Sir Edward Elgar was born on this day in 1857.

Born in the small village of Lower Broadheath, near Worcester, England, Elgar was the fourth of seven children - all of which had a musical upbringing in. At the age of eight, he commenced piano/organ and violin lessons. His father, an organist and music dealer was responsible for tuning pianos at numerous grand estates in Worcestershire, occasionally brought Elgar along, affording him the opportunity to showcase his talents to significant local figures. Elgar became an excellent violinist and organist, leading him eventually assuming roles as a bandmaster and church organist. He also played the bassoon.

Despite lacking formal composition training, he taught himself and honed his skills over time.

He composed numerous expansive choral compositions, including the notable oratorio Lux Christi (1896; The Light of Life), prior to crafting the widely celebrated Enigma Variations for orchestra between 1898 and 1899. These variations stem from a counter-melody to a concealed theme, as Elgar maintained that the original melody was a recognizable tune he chose not to disclose—thus introducing the mystery behind the "enigma."

Other signature works include his Cockaigne overture, In London Town (1901), and the “symphonic study” Falstaff (1913). Of his five Pomp and Circumstancemarches (1901–07; 1930), the first became particularly famous.

Also highly esteemed are his two symphonies (1908 and 1911), the Introduction and Allegro for strings (1905), and his monumental Violin Concerto (1910) and Cello Concerto (1919).

 ELGAR | LA CAPRICIEUSE OP. 17 | IVRY GITLIS | 1962