ELGAR Edward William (Elgar Edward William)

(1857-1934), Elgar was born on June 2, 1857 in Brodhite (in Worcester). His father served as organist of the Catholic Church of St.. George in Worcester and played the violin in the orchestra at the annual choral festival. Elgar sometimes replaced his father in the church, and later in the festival orchestra.
The future composer studied violin playing and tried his hand at composing. In 1883 his intermezzo was performed in Birmingham. As a musician, Elgar, essentially, an autodidact, and his taste was brought up mainly in the writings of C. F. E. Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Meyerbeer and the old English church music, in literature, he preferred to Shakespeare and Voltaire.

A typical late-style, which makes the music of Elgar instantly recognizable, was formed gradually. Only the age of forty composer has received recognition and gained confidence in their abilities. An important event in this way was Elgar's marriage in 1889 to Caroline Alice, daughter of General Roberts: All the best essays were born in the years of their life together, like the poet Dzh.Meysfildu, Elgar owed its inspiration to his wife. After her death in 1920 he could no longer create anything outstanding

. The fame brought Elgar in the 1890's vocal compositions, . but the real success came to him after 1899, . when it was performed orchestral music (first heard variations on the theme of its own - Variations on an Original Theme, . or Enigma-Variation, . Enigma Variations),
. The success was confirmed Geronti oratorio Dream (The Dream of Gerontius, 1900): first essay was recognized in Germany, but when the British choirmasters accustomed to the new musical language of this opus, even in the homeland of the author. For the first speaker followed by two more: The Apostles (Apostles, . 1903) and the Kingdom of God (The Kingdom, . 1906); First Symphony in A flat major (1908), Violin Concerto in B minor (1910); Second Symphony in E flat major (1911) and Elgar masterpiece - symphonic sketch Falstaff (Falstaff, . 1913),
. These works, as well as the introduction and Allegro for Strings (1905) and Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in E minor (1919) is fully revealed the extent of talent of the composer. In general the listening environment Elgar known primarily for its magnificent march Country of hope and glory (The Land of Hope and Glory) from the cycle of solemn and ceremonial marches (Pomp and Circumstance marches).

Although the British music fans do not hurry with the recognition of Elgar and Bernard Shaw (speaking in the press as a concert and opera reviewer) did not like the music of this composer's time, when the situation has changed. In 1904, the first time in the theater 'Covent Garden' held Elgarovsky Festival; Elgar also elected as a member of the prestigious literary club 'Athenaeum', and in July the same year he was elevated to the dignity of knighthood. Later Elgar received a number of awards and honorary title of professor. During the First World War, he wrote several works of chamber instrumental genres and tragic Cello Concerto. At the end of life Elgar was granted the title of Royal musician (Master of King's Music), and in 1931 - the title of baronet

. Orchestration organ fantasy and fugue in C minor by Bach (1921-1922) and the Overture in D minor Handel (1923), . Lullaby Suite (The Nursery Suite, . 1931) and a work for brass band called Strict suite (Severe Suite, . 1930) indicate, . that Elgar has continued to work and after 1920,
. To the 75-th anniversary of the composer's radio station BBC BBC commissioned him a new symphony, but this essay, as conceived by the opera The Spanish Lady (The Spanish Lady), unfinished. Elgar died in Worcester on Feb. 23, 1934.