Sir Edward Elgar - Land of Hope and Glory

Even people who don't much listen to Classical Music know more of it than they think.  We're surrounded by it, and absorb much of it unconsciously.   And so with today's piece, written by Elgar for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1901.

You know this piece.  Indeed, it is instantly recognizable to the entire population.  Even we in the Colonies recognize it.  I heard it last week at my niece's high school graduation.

What you may not know is that there are words to it.  It became so popular in Great Britain that it is considered an unofficial national anthem there.

Elgar was born into modest circumstances in the very class conscious Victorian age.  With few prospects for financial success, but with musical genius to spare, he married the daughter of a Major General.  Her family was horrified at the match, and in fact disinherited her.

She didn't care.  His works gradually attracted more and more attention, until he broke through into national (and international) fame in 1899 with his "Enigma Variations".  Recognized as England's preeminent composer, he was approached to write for a Royal Command Performance at the Royal Opera House.  This is what he wrote.

The words are from poet A.C. Benson's Coronation Ode.  The music is typically referred to as Pomp And Circumstance.



Land of Hope and Glory (Words by A.C. Benson, music by Edward Elgar)

Land of Hope and Glory,
Mother of the Free,
How may we extol thee,
Who are born of thee?
Truth and Right and Freedom,
Each a holy gem,
Stars of solemn brightness,
weave thy diadem.

Tho' thy way be darkened,
Still in splendour drest,
As the star that trembles
O'er the liquid West.
Throned amid the billows,
Throned inviolate,
Though hast reigned victorious,
Though has smiled at fate.

Land of Hope and Glory,
Fortress of the Free,
How may we extol thee,
Praise thee, honour thee?

Hark, a mighty nation
Maketh glad reply;
Lo, our lips are thankful,
Lo, our hearts are high!
Hearts in hope uplifted,
Loyal lips that sing;
Strong in faith and freedom,
We have crowned our King!

Elgar's wife had the satisfaction of seeing her family see her husband knighted by King Edward in 1904.  Even more, George V appointed him to the Order of Merit, one of the most exclusive of the dynastic orders.  Limited to no more than 24 members, the invitation to join is at the discretion of, and is considered the personal gift from the Monarch.  That's plenty good enough for anyone, even the daughter of a Major General.  You might say that he had finally graduated into High Society, despite his humble beginnings.

Elgar is interesting in that he was the first major composer to take an interest in the new fangled gramophone, and he recorded many of his works.  You can buy them today on Amazon.com.