# Edward Elgar

> English composer (1857-1934)

**Wikidata**: [Q179631](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q179631)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Elgar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/edward-elgar

## Summary
Sir Edward William Elgar was a renowned English composer and conductor who lived from 1857 to 1934. He is best known for his significant contributions to classical music, including the composition of the *Enigma Variations*, *Pomp and Circumstance Marches*, and the *Cello Concerto*. His work established him as a leading figure in British musical history, earning him a baronetcy and the Order of Merit.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 2, 1857
- **Nationality**: United Kingdom (English)
- **Education**: University of Birmingham (affiliated)
- **Known for**: Composing major classical works such as the *Enigma Variations*, *Pomp and Circumstance Marches*, and the *Cello Concerto*
- **Employer(s)**: University of Birmingham (affiliated)
- **Field(s)**: Classical music, composition, conducting

## Contributions
Edward Elgar's primary contributions lie in the realm of classical music composition and conducting. His notable works include:
- **Salut d'Amour** (1888): A musical work composed by Elgar.
- **Enigma Variations**: A celebrated musical work composed by Elgar.
- **Pomp and Circumstance Marches**: A series of marches for orchestra composed by Sir Edward Elgar.
- **The Dream of Gerontius**: A musical work for voices and orchestra by Edward Elgar.
- **Violin Concerto**: A concerto composed by Edward Elgar.
- **Symphony No. 1**: A symphony by Edward Elgar.
- **Symphony No. 2**: A symphony by Sir Edward Elgar.
- **Falstaff**: A symphonic work by Elgar.
- **Cello Concerto**: A musical work by Edward Elgar.
- **Introduction and Allegro** (1905): A composition for string quartet and string orchestra by Edward Elgar.

His works were recorded and distributed by major record labels, including:
- **His Master's Voice**: A British trademark and record label used for Elgar's recordings.
- **Decca**: A British record label founded in 1929 that recorded Elgar's music.
- **Deutsche Grammophon**: A German classical music record label that featured Elgar's works.
- **Philips Records**: A Dutch international record label that included Elgar in its catalog.

## FAQs
**What are the most famous musical compositions by Edward Elgar?**
Elgar is most famous for the *Enigma Variations*, the *Pomp and Circumstance Marches*, and the *Cello Concerto*. He also composed significant works such as *The Dream of Gerontius*, *Falstaff*, and two symphonies.

**Which record labels released Edward Elgar's music?**
Elgar's music was released by several prominent labels, including His Master's Voice, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, and Philips Records. These labels helped preserve and distribute his classical compositions globally.

**What honors and awards did Edward Elgar receive during his lifetime?**
Elgar was knighted and became a baronet, a British chivalric order. He was also awarded the Order of Merit, a dynastic order recognizing distinguished service in Commonwealth realms.

**Where was Edward Elgar educated or affiliated?**
Elgar was affiliated with the University of Birmingham, which is located in Birmingham, England.

**What genres of music did Edward Elgar compose?**
Elgar composed within the broad tradition of Western art music, specifically classical music. His works include symphonies, concertos, marches, and choral pieces.

## Why They Matter
Edward Elgar's work fundamentally shaped the landscape of British classical music, elevating it to international prominence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Without his compositions, the repertoire of the English symphony orchestra would lack iconic pieces like the *Enigma Variations* and the *Pomp and Circumstance Marches*, which remain staples of ceremonial and concert life. His ability to blend traditional forms with a distinctively British voice influenced subsequent generations of composers and conductors. The preservation of his works by major labels like Deutsche Grammophon and Decca ensures that his artistic legacy continues to define the classical music canon. His recognition with the Order of Merit and a baronetcy underscores his status as a national treasure whose contributions to culture were deemed of the highest order by the British state.

## Notable For
- **Composition of Iconic Works**: Created the *Enigma Variations*, *Pomp and Circumstance Marches*, and *Cello Concerto*.
- **Baronetcy**: Recognized as a baronet, a British chivalric order.
- **Order of Merit**: Awarded the Order of Merit for distinguished service.
- **Symphonic Output**: Composed two major symphonies (*Symphony No. 1* and *Symphony No. 2*) and the symphonic work *Falstaff*.
- **Choral Masterpiece**: Composed *The Dream of Gerontius*, a significant work for voices and orchestra.
- **Chamber Music**: Created *Introduction and Allegro* for string quartet and string orchestra in 1905.
- **Concertos**: Wrote both a Violin Concerto and a Cello Concerto.
- **Early Works**: Composed *Salut d'Amour* in 1888.
- **Academic Affiliation**: Associated with the University of Birmingham.
- **Recording Legacy**: His works were recorded by His Master's Voice, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, and Philips Records.

## Body
### Early Life and Identity
Edward William Elgar was born on June 2, 1857, and died on February 23, 1934. He was a human member of the species *Homo sapiens* and a citizen of the United Kingdom. His full name was Edward William Elgar, and he is often referred to as Sir Edward Elgar. He was an English composer and conductor, active during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. His life spanned a period of significant cultural and political change in the United Kingdom, which was then an island country in north-west Europe.

### Musical Career and Compositions
Elgar's career was defined by his prolific output in the field of classical music. He composed a wide array of works that are now considered masterpieces of the genre. His early work, *Salut d'Amour*, was composed in 1888. He later achieved fame with the *Enigma Variations*, a complex and celebrated musical work. His *Pomp and Circumstance Marches* became a series of marches for orchestra that are synonymous with British ceremonial occasions.

Elgar's symphonic contributions include *Symphony No. 1* and *Symphony No. 2*, both of which are significant entries in the symphonic repertoire. He also composed *Falstaff*, a symphonic work, and *Introduction and Allegro* in 1905, a composition for string quartet and string orchestra. His concertos are equally notable, with a *Violin Concerto* and a *Cello Concerto* standing as major works in their respective genres. Additionally, he composed *The Dream of Gerontius*, a substantial musical work for voices and orchestra.

### Recognition and Honors
Elgar received significant recognition for his contributions to music and culture. He was awarded the Order of Merit, a dynastic order established in 1902 to recognize distinguished service in Commonwealth realms. He was also granted the title of baronet, a British chivalric order. These honors reflect his high standing in British society and the respect he commanded as a composer. His full title became Sir Edward William Elgar, 1st Baronet.

### Affiliations and Recordings
Elgar was affiliated with the University of Birmingham, an institution located in Birmingham, England. His music was widely recorded and distributed by major record labels of his time and subsequent eras. His Master's Voice, a British trademark featuring the dog mascot "Nipper," was used by various record labels to record his music. Decca, a British record label founded in 1929, also recorded his works. Deutsche Grammophon, a German classical music label founded in 1898, included Elgar in its catalog. Philips Records, a Dutch international record label founded in 1946, also featured his compositions. These recordings ensured the preservation and global dissemination of his music.

### Legacy and Impact
Edward Elgar's legacy is enduring, with his works continuing to be performed and recorded worldwide. His music is a cornerstone of the classical repertoire, influencing composers and musicians for generations. The *Pomp and Circumstance Marches*, in particular, remain a staple of graduation ceremonies and national events. His ability to capture the spirit of his time while creating timeless music has secured his place as one of the most important British composers in history. The various identifiers and database entries associated with his name, such as his Wikidata ID and multiple library catalog numbers, attest to the extensive documentation and study of his life and work.

## References

1. Archivio Storico Ricordi
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
5. Source
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. MusicBrainz
8. CiNii Research
9. SNAC
10. Internet Broadway Database
11. Enciclopédia Itaú Cultural
12. Find a Grave
13. International Music Score Library Project
14. filmportal.de
15. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
16. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
17. Musicalics
18. Croatian Encyclopedia
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. Virtual International Authority File
21. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Elgar%20Edward%20William)
22. CONOR.SI
23. BBC Things
24. The Guardian
25. Quora
26. LIBRIS. 2005
27. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
28. [gnudb.org about Edward Elgar.](https://gnudb.org/artists/203969-edward-elgar)