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