Edward Elgar

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Definition

Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was an English composer best known for his orchestral music and oratorios. Amongst Elgar's most-loved works are his Pomp and Circumstance marches which inspired the choral Land of Hope and Glory, a rousing patriotic piece that is often considered Britain's second national anthem after God Save the King.

More about: Edward Elgar

Timeline

  • 1857 - 1934
    Life of the English composer Edward Elgar.
  • 2 Jun 1857
    The composer Edward Elgar is born in Broadheath in Worcestershire, England.
  • 1882
    Edward Elgar joines the orchestra of William Stockley in Birmingham.
  • 1884
    Edward Elgar's Sevillana orchestral piece is performed at the Crystal Palace in London.
  • 1889
    Edward Elgar marries one of his piano pupils, Alice Roberts.
  • 1890
    Edward Elgar's Froissart Overture premieres.
  • Sep 1890
    Edward Elgar's daughter, Carice, is born.
  • 1893
    Edward Elgar composes his cantata The Black Knight.
  • 1896
    Edward Elgar composes his cantata King Olaf.
  • 1896
    Edward Elgar composes his The Light of Life oratorio.
  • 1897
    Edward Elgar’s Imperial March is played at the diamond jubilee celebration of Queen Victoria.
  • 1899
    Edward Elgar's song cycle Sea Pictures is first performed by the contralto Clara Butt at the Norwich Festival.
  • Jun 1899
    Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations are first performed at London’s St James’ Hall.
  • 1900
    Edward Elgar's choral work The Dream of Gerontius is first performed.
  • 1901
    Edward Elgar composes his Cockaigne Overture.
  • 1902
    Edward Elgar composes his Coronation Ode, which includes the rousing Land of Hope and Glory from his Pomp and Circumstance March.
  • 1904
    Edward Elgar is knighted.
  • Dec 1908
    Edward Elgar's First Symphony premieres.
  • 1910
    Edward Elgar completes his Violin Concerto.
  • 1911
    Edward Elgar is appointed the conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.
  • 1913
    Edward Elgar composes his symphonic poem Falstaff.
  • 1917
    Edward Elgar composes his cantata The Spirit of England.
  • 1919
    Edward Elgar composes his Cello Concerto.
  • Apr 1920
    Edward Elgar's wife Alice dies.
  • 1924
    Edward Elgar is appointed Master of the King’s Music.
  • 1932
    Edward Elgar conducts Yehudi Menuhin performing his Violin Concerto.
  • 23 Feb 1934
    Edward Elgar dies of cancer in Worcester. He leaves his Third Symphony incomplete.
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