Elgar - Pomp and Circumstance Marches 1-5

Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was arguably one of the greatest British composers of the early 20th Century. His music epitomises the optimism of the Edwardian era at the height of the British Empire, and if there was an "establishment composer", he was it. Only he always felt rather an outsider, removed from the London music circles. Nonetheless his compositions such as the Enigma Variations, the two Symphonies, the Cello and Violin concertos, and oratorios like the Dream of Gerontius cemented his reputation as a major musical figure.

With the possible exception of Nimrod from the Enigma Variations, it is his first Pomp and Circumstance March that is the most widely known piece of Elgar's music. The broad melody from the trio section had patriotic words fitted to it and became Land Of Hope And Glory. The March became a fixture in the closing concert of the Promenade Concerts, and has become almost like an unofficial English national anthem. The tune is also used in North American graduation ceremonies.

The Pomp and Circumstance Military Marches Op.39 - of which there are five (published) - might share the same opus number but do in fact span a period between 1901 and 1930. This page gives an enormous amount of detail on the Marches and is a highly recommended read! The combination of a military-like swagger and broad patriotic-sounding melody was taken up after Elgar's death most notably by Sir William Walton in his Coronation Marches of 1937 and 1953.

The recording here, by Vernon Handley - a highly regarded Elgar conductor - dates from 1981 and was a new recording for EMI's budget label Classics For Pleasure at a time when it was acceptable for tobacco companies to sponsor the Arts. 

Cartridge: Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star

Phono amp: Graham Slee Accession MC

Turntable: CTC Classic 301 with SME M2-12R

Click to enlarge