Edward Elgar

Date of Birth: June 2, 1857

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: February 23, 1934

Biography

Sir Edward William Elgar, born on June 2, 1857, in Broadheath, Worcestershire, England, was a renowned English composer whose works have become central to the British and international classical music repertoire. Elgar’s music is noted for its orchestral mastery and emotive power, with compositions like the “Enigma Variations,” the “Pomp and Circumstance Marches,” and his Cello Concerto in E minor standing out as iconic works. Elgar grew up in a musical household; his father was a piano tuner and owned a music shop, which exposed Edward to a variety of instruments and music from an early age. Despite limited formal training, Elgar’s natural talent and perseverance led him to become one of the leading composers of his time. Elgar’s career began to flourish in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with his “Enigma Variations” (1899) quickly gaining widespread acclaim. This work was followed by his oratorio “The Dream of Gerontius” (1900), which, despite a poor initial reception, went on to be recognized as one of his masterpieces. His music often reflected the Edwardian grandeur and the sense of national pride, becoming synonymous with British identity. Elgar’s contributions to music were recognized with numerous honors, including a knighthood in 1904 and the Order of Merit in 1911. He continued to compose and conduct until his health began to decline in the 1930s. Edward Elgar passed away on February 23, 1934, in Worcester, England.

5 Interesting Facts about Edward Elgar

1. Elgar was largely self-taught as a composer, honing his skills by studying scores and attending concerts.

2. He was the first composer to conduct a recording of his own music – the “Enigma Variations” with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1914.

3. Elgar was a keen cyclist and often found inspiration during his rides through the Malvern Hills.

4. He had a fascination with cryptography and embedded several musical puzzles in his works, most famously the “Enigma” in the “Enigma Variations.”

5. Elgar was appointed as the Master of the King’s Musick in 1924, a prestigious position in the British court.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edward Elgar

1. “There is music in the air, music all around us; the world is full of it, and you simply take as much as you require.”

2. “A composer’s only interest in philosophy should be to keep himself out of arguments.”

3. “My idea is that there is music in the air, music all around us, the world is full of it and you simply take as much as you require.”

4. “The spirit of the nation is in the air, and the feeling of the people, for the time being, is expressed in music.”

5. “I always said God was against art and I still believe it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Edward Elgar’s net worth was modest compared to today’s standards, as he achieved most of his wealth through commissions and royalties. Adjusted for modern currency, his wealth might have been equivalent to several million dollars, but exact figures are not documented.

Children

Edward Elgar had one daughter, Carice Irene Elgar, born on August 14, 1890. Carice was named after a combination of her mother’s names, Caroline Alice, and she remained a significant figure in Elgar’s life, later working to preserve his legacy.