Edward Elgar Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Piano QuintetEdward Elgar22rank/position

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.

PoloniaEdward Elgar23rank/position

Edward Elgar: Polonia, Op.76 (1915)

Composed in 1915, this symphonic piece was specially written by Elgar at the request of a Polish conductor.

As the title suggests, it is imbued with abundant praise for Poland, including quotations of the Polish national anthem as a motif.

Please enjoy the performance by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in this video.

RomanceEdward Elgar24rank/position

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 Elgar25rank/position

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.

The Dream of GerontiusEdward Elgar26rank/position

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, Part 1

This oratorio was composed by Elgar, who was deeply inspired by the long poem known as “The Dream of Gerontius,” which he received as a wedding gift from a priest when he married his beloved Caroline Alice Roberts in 1889.

In this video, enjoy a performance by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Davis.

The KingdomEdward Elgar27rank/position

Edward Elgar – The Kingdom Op. 51 – III. Pentecost – Repent and be baptized

In Japan, this piece is known as “The Kingdom of God,” and it is written for soloist and orchestra.

It is one of the oratorios based on the Bible and seems to be structured as a religious drama with a strong Catholic character.

In Japan, where the religious background is relatively light, it may be a work that is difficult to fully grasp, but if you’re interested, please try looking for a Japanese translation.

The Starlight ExpressEdward Elgar28rank/position

Elgar: The Starlight Express, Op. 78: To the Children

This work, Op.

78, is a piece for which Elgar composed the melody and music for a children’s play.

It’s astonishing how multi-talented Elgar was, also fulfilling what we would today call the role of a film/television composer for stage productions.

In this video, the London Philharmonic Orchestra performs it beautifully under the baton of Vernon Handley.