Elgar (The Illustrated Lives of the Great Composers)

by SimonMundy (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2001

  $3.22

  Elgar was England's greatest late romantic composer. His symphonies, the Enigma Variations and oratorios made him the toast of Europe and America during his lifetime. His ceremonial music, such as the Pomp and Circumstance Marches , made him a national institution. But there was a more troubled and less confident side to him which can be heard in his chamber music and concertos. This revised edition explores his life from his background in a Worcester music shop to his final years as Master of the King's Music and the first composer to make recordings of all his work.

• Used

  Paperback
  1984

  $3.22

  Elgar is widely considered the greatest of all English composers. His symphonies, concertos, oratorios and the famous Enigma Variations are all expressions of an outstanding musical talent. Yet the man himself and the life he led are a paradox. Although he never possessed great wealth, he was among the most successful figures of the Edwardian era. At the same time, he was deeply private and very often most unhappy man. In this sympathetic biography, Simon Mundy sets out ot solve the paradox. With great sensitivity and perception, he illuminates the man himself, the world he inhabited and - above all - the endearing music he composed. The text is lavishly illustrated with photographs of Elgar and his circle, together with photographs of places associated with him.