Pomp and Circumstance

by Sir Edward Elgar, arr. by Nikk Pilato

Sir Edward William Elgar was an English composer whose works helped stimulate a revival of interest in English music: when his music became known around the globe, he was the first English composer to attain international acclaim in almost 200 years. Born in Broadheath, England, he studied violin and was proficient on many other instruments, but found his niche in composition while still a teenager. He married Caroline Alice Roberts in 1889, and she would prove to be the anchor that kept Elgar grounded through his numerous early failures as a composer. When she died in 1920, Elgar gave up composition for many years. His most famous work is the Enigma Variations, a set of fourteen variations on an original theme. He died in Worcester in 1934, and is buried at St. Wulstan's Church in Little Malvern.

Pomp & Circumstance March No. 1 is but one in a series of five marches for orchestra, but is easily the most famous. The quintessential ceremony music, used for graduations and other regal situations since 1905, it was first heard at Yale University's graduation, where Elgar received an honorary doctorate. Over the next few years, several other American universities adopted the music for their commencement ceremonies, and by the mid-1920s, it had spread across the country. Today it is heard at almost every high school and university graduation in the United States with one peculiar exception: Yale University. Pomp & Circumstance has not been heard at Yale since 1950, when the musicians were told not to play “that song” because it had “fallen from grace” due to its use by high schools. This version is scored for brass choir with an optional percussion accompaniment, perfect for use at small commencement ceremonies.

For an audio sample (MIDI), please click  

Details

Catalog#: NN04-010
Duration: 3:00
Difficulty: Medium-Easy

Instrumentation:

Trumpet (in B-flat) I-II-III
French Horn I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Optional Percussion
Optional Timpani

FULL SET: $30.00 (includes shipping)

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