Music #402 - Elgar

Edward William Elgar  

(1857 – 1934)

An English composer.  Among his best-known compositions are orchestral works including 
* the Enigma Variations, 
* the Pomp and Circumstance Marches (see below), 
* concertos for violin and cello (see below), and two symphonies. 

Pomp and Circumstance Marches 

- 6 marches glorifying the British Empire

The best known is March No.1, which contains the famous lyrical "Land of Hope and Glory" Trio tune.

* the Trio starts after 1:52
* with coronation lyrics  adapted in Coronation Ode for Edward VII.**

In WW2, Vera Lyn (patriotic singer) sang to enhance the national spirit. - top tracks
* Britain's Got Talent !

(Her Lili Marlene [sang by both sides] and We'll Meet Again were also beautiful.)

We'll meet again again.

In the US, the Trio section is sometimes known as 

* The Graduation March or simply as "Pomp and Circumstance" 

        It is played as the processional tune at virtually all high school and college graduation ceremonies, being usually played when the graduating class or department walks onto the stage.

        This tradition started in 1905, at Yale University, where the Professor of Music Samuel Sanford invited his friend Elgar to attend commencement and receive an honorary Doctorate of Music.

        Elgar accepted, and Sanford organized a large group of musicians to perform 2 parts from Elgar's oratorio:
* The Light of Life
* "Pomp and Circumstance" March No 1 as the graduates and officials marched out,



Salut d'amour 

Cello Concerto


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**

Prince Edward 

Queen Victoria died in January 1901, at an age of 81.  Her successor Prince Edward, then 59, did not keep fit, after too much food, wine and women. 
       In June 1902, just two days before the planned coronation, Prince Edward was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Survival chance of operation at that time was low, and much lower for persons of his age and health.  So, the coronation was simply cancelled.
       Surprisingly, he recovered rapidly after the operation.  The next day, Edward was sitting up in bed, smoking a cigar.  Two weeks later, it was announced that the King was out of danger. His coronation was then held in August 1902, at an age of 60. He died at 68. 
       (Prince Edward Road in Kowloon (plus a subway station later) was named after him while he was a long-waiting heir apparent to the throne.)
     

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The Union Jack  is the national flag of United Kingdom, made of 3 crosses:

- The red cross of Saint George represents England (and Wales). 

- The red diagonal cross of Saint Patrick represents Ireland.  

- The blue cross of Saint Andrew represents Scotland, with the cross counter-changed (that is, white cross X in blue background).

Great Britain = Scotland + Wales + England

United Kingdom = Great Britain + Northern Ireland 

Each of the 4 nations of the UK has its own national days:

- Wales - March 1st - St. David's Day

- Northern Ireland - March 17th - St. Patrick's Day

- England - April 23rd - St. George's Day

- Scotland - November 30th - St. Andrew's Day