Elgar’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.

majestic and dignifiedEdward Elgar

Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance | BBC Proms 2014 – BBC

This is a work by the British composer Edward Elgar from England.

Elgar composed numerous pieces, and this is one of his most famous works.

In Japan, it is often heard at New Year’s countdown concerts and in commercials.

The piece is characterized by a grand opening through the middle section, followed by a slow and elegant structure in the latter half.

At school sports days, the first half is often used for athletes’ entrances and exits, while the latter half is commonly used for award ceremonies and similar formalities.

It also seems to be used for closing ceremonies as a final flourish.

Cello Concerto in E minorEdward Elgar

Elgar Cello Concerto / Elgar Cello Kyōsōkyoku

In the hit TBS drama Quartet, the character Suzume, played by Hikari Mitsushima, performed on the cello.

This is the famous piece that Elgar dedicated to that instrument.

In this video performance, Jacqueline du Pré serves as the soloist.

Please take a moment to listen to its deep, powerful melodies.

The conductor is John Barbirolli, and the orchestra is the London Symphony Orchestra.

Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1Edward Elgar

Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D Major, Op. 39/1

This piece by the British composer Elgar—especially the opening No.

1 of his Pomp and Circumstance—is particularly famous.

Its melody is powerful and stirring.

I often hear it used for marches in Japan, and in its homeland, the United Kingdom, it is cherished almost like a national anthem.

Coronation OdeEdward Elgar

Elgar – Coronation Ode – 1 – Crown the King (Proms 2012)

Introducing Edward Elgar’s monumental work.

Composed to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII in 1902, this approximately 35-minute masterpiece was written for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, and consists of six sections that celebrate British pride and loyalty to the monarchy.

The especially famous “Land of Hope and Glory” has become a beloved piece among the British public.

Showcasing Elgar’s musical genius, the work is characterized by its beautiful melodies, rich harmonies, and vividly colored orchestration.

Highly recommended for those interested in British history and culture, and for anyone who wishes to experience grand classical music.

Piano QuintetEdward Elgar

E. Elgar – Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 84 (1918)

Composed around the same time as the String Quartet, this piece is said to be the longest of Elgar’s chamber works in terms of performance duration.

Its harmonies, intertwining the powerful heartbeat of the piano with delicately resonant strings, make it a true gem.

It is also said that Elgar’s beloved wife, Caroline, held this work in high regard.

RomanceEdward Elgar

Edward Elgar Romance for Violin and Piano Op.1 by Ani Batikian

This is Opus 1, said to have been composed by Elgar in the 1870s.

Its delicate yet lustrous melodies for violin and piano resonate deeply.

As you listen, picture the young Elgar: having given up the idea of studying music in Germany and once leaving music to take another job, he ultimately chose to return to the musical path and began composing again.

Sursum cordaEdward Elgar

Sursum Corda, Op. 11

This is Opus 11, said to have been composed by Elgar in 1894.

Created during the period when he was gradually gaining recognition in the musical world and evolving into a composer who would later represent his country, this piece is rendered in this video by the London Symphony Orchestra with an organ, resounding with a majestic tone.

Please take a listen.