Edward Elgar Popular Song Rankings [2026]

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.

Violin ConcertoEdward Elgar29rank/position

Elgar – Violin Concerto

I’d like to introduce a masterpiece by Edward Elgar, one of Britain’s representative composers.

Completed in 1910, this work is a grand concerto for violin and orchestra.

Spanning about 45 minutes in three movements, it is marked by passionate expression—so much so that Elgar himself said, “It is very emotional, but I love it.” Particularly memorable are the beautiful melody of the second movement and the moving cadenza in the third, which is said to reflect Elgar’s feelings for a close friend.

It’s a highly recommended piece not only for those interested in classical music, but also for anyone who wants to savor rich emotional expression.

Enigma Variations, Variation IX “Nimrod”Edward Elgar30rank/position

Elgar: Enigma Variations, Op. 36 – No. 9 “Nimrod”

“Enigma” is a Greek word meaning “riddle,” “puzzle,” or “conundrum,” and the composer Elgar is said to have embedded two enigmas in this set of variations.

“Nimrod” is a nickname Elgar gave to a close German friend who worked for a music publishing company, and it seems to depict his character as well as a night the two spent strolling and discussing Beethoven.