Edward Elgar

Sir Edward Elgar (2 June 1857 – 23 February 1934), was a British Composer, born near Worcester in 1857. He is known a number of pieces, including the Enigma Variations, the Pomp And Circumstance Marches (five), and Cello Concerto. His musical style, unlike his contemporaries on the British music scene, was not influenced by Folk music, but more on Continental influences, including Handel, and French composers, including Berlioz, Saint-Saens and Delibes, the last which proved to be a major influence on his music.

After his death in 1934, his work mostly disappeared from view. However, in recent years he has been increasing in popularity internationally, yet still remains most popular in Britain.

As something of a side note, he was an avid cryptography buff and left behind a cypher which remains unbroken to this day.


 * British Footy Teams: Elgar supported Wolverhampton Wanderers, and often cycled from Malvern to Wolverhampton to watch their games. He wrote the first known football chant, "He Banged the Leather for Goal".
 * Brilliant but Lazy: Elgar was actually quite lazy, and had to be encouraged to write by his wife, Alice.
 * Chick Magnet: Elgar, surprisingly.
 * Driven to Suicide: Elgar came close a few times.
 * EdwardianEra, The: A lot of Elgar’s work is associated with the era, and Elgar was most active during the era.
 * Heterosexual Life Partners: Elgar and his publisher, August Jaeger
 * Likes Older Women: Elgar’s wife, Alice was in her mid-30s when she met Elgar, and nine years older than her husband.
 * The Midlands: Elgar was born near Worcester, and he lived for years near Great Malvern
 * Patriotic Fervour: His best-known works are patriotic in nature, such as Land of Hope and Glory.
 * Public Domain Soundtrack: Several of Elgar’s works have ended up being used here
 * Self-Made Man: The son of a tradesman and a self-taught musician, ended up a Knight and Master of the Kings’ Musick.
 * Shown Their Work: Elgar did research into The Bible for The Apostles, namely regarding the characterisation of Judas Iscariot.