Elgar, Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op.39 (Sir Adrian Boult, London Philharmonic Orchestra)

Описание: Elgar, Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op.39, with with a theme-and-structure analysis and synchronized sheet music (score)
Performance: Sir Adrian Boult (conductor), London Philharmonic Orchestra, 1950s–1970s
Analysis, Score Editing, Synch: ScoreMan

00:00 March No.1 in D major (1901)
05:54 March No.2 in A minor (1901)
11:21 March No.3 in C minor (1904)
17:02 March No.4 in G major (1907)
21:49 March No.5 in C major (1930)


OVERVIEW

Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39 are a group of orchestral marches written between 1901 and 1930.
They are not one continuous piece but several independent marches, each with its own character.
Although they are often associated with ceremony and celebration, they are more than simple festive music and show a wide range of moods.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The title comes from a line in Shakespeare’s Othello and refers to grandeur, dignity, and public display.
Elgar wrote these marches during the Edwardian period, when Britain felt strong confidence in its cultural and political position.
At the same time, Elgar himself was a deeply introspective composer, and this contrast is important for understanding the music.
While the marches sound proud and noble on the surface, they often contain moments of warmth, longing, or quiet reflection beneath the brilliance.

MUSICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The first march, especially its broad and lyrical middle section, became extremely famous after it was turned into the song “Land of Hope and Glory.”
This connection made the music a symbol of British ceremonial life, and it is still played at national events and celebrations today.
However, the later marches show different sides of Elgar’s personality.
Some are darker or more restrained, and others feel reflective rather than triumphant, which helps explain why the set remains musically interesting and not merely patriotic.

Musically, Elgar uses the traditional march form but enriches it with sweeping melodies, expressive harmonies, and brilliant orchestration.
The contrast between bold outer sections and singing, expansive middle themes gives the music both strength and emotional depth.
This balance between public grandeur and private feeling is one of Elgar’s greatest strengths as a composer.

Over time, the meaning of this music has expanded beyond its original context.
For example, the first march is widely used at graduation ceremonies, especially outside Britain, where it represents achievement and transition rather than national pride.
This shows how Elgar’s music, though rooted in a specific historical moment, speaks to universal human experiences.



   • J.S.Bach's Masterpieces  
   • J.S.Bach - Cello Suites  

   • D.Scarlatti - Keyboard Sonatas  

   • W. A. Mozart - Piano Sonatas  

   • L. v. Beethoven's Masterpieces  
   • L. v. Beethoven - 9 Symphonies  
   • L. v. Beethoven - Piano Sonatas  

   • F. Schubert - Piano Sonatas  

   • F. Chopin's Masterpieces  
   • F. Chopin - 19 Mazurkas  
   • F. Chopin - 19 Polonaises  
   • F. Chopin - 22 Nocturnes  
   • F. Chopin - 19 Waltzes  

   • R. Schumann's Masterpieces  

   • F. Liszt's Masterpieces  

   • J. Brahms's Masterpieces  

   • P. I. Tchaikovsky's Masterpieces  

   • C. Debussy's Masterpieces  

   • M. Ravel's Masterpieces  

   • S. Prokofiev's Masterpieces  
   • S. Prokofiev - Piano Sonatas  

   • Piano Sonata Collections  
   • Piano Concerto Collections  
   • Violin Concerto Collections  
   • Ballet Suite Collection