Introduction
The Pomp and Circumstance Marches are a series of five marches for orchestra composed by Sir Edward Elgar. These marches are popularly known as "Pomp and Circumstance," which is the title of the first march in the series. These marches are widely used in various ceremonial events like graduations, sporting events, and other public events.
The Composer - Sir Edward Elgar
Sir Edward William Elgar was an English composer, born on June 2, 1857, in Broadheath, Worcestershire, England. He was considered one of the leading composers of the late Romantic and early modern periods in music. He composed several works like symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and choral music.
The Story Behind the Composition of Pomp and Circumstance Marches
The Pomp and Circumstance Marches were written between 1901 and 1930. The first march was composed in 1901, and the last march was completed in 1930. The inspiration for the first march came to Elgar while he was attending a graduation ceremony at Yale University in the United States in 1901.
Elgar was impressed by the grandeur and majesty of the ceremony and was moved by the sight of the graduates marching in procession to the strains of Sir Arthur Sullivan's "Onward Christian Soldiers." This experience inspired him to write a march that would capture the same sense of majesty and grandeur.
The First Performance of Pomp and Circumstance Marches
The first performance of the Pomp and Circumstance Marches took place on October 19, 1901, at the coronation of King Edward VII. The march was played by the massed bands of the Royal Artillery and the Grenadier Guards, under the direction of Sir Henry J. Wood. The march was an instant success and became one of the most popular pieces of music in the world.
Elgar was invited to perform the march before Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle in 1902. The Queen was so impressed with the march that she requested Elgar to perform it again.
The Popularity of Pomp and Circumstance Marches
Pomp and Circumstance Marches, particularly the first march, have become synonymous with graduation ceremonies. The march is played as the graduates enter and leave the ceremony. It has become a tradition in many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The march is also played at other ceremonial events like the opening of the Olympic Games, the inauguration of US Presidents, and other public events. The march has become an iconic piece of music that epitomizes the grandeur and majesty of ceremonial occasions.
Conclusion
The Pomp and Circumstance Marches are a series of five marches composed by Sir Edward Elgar. The first march, popularly known as "Pomp and Circumstance," was inspired by Elgar's experience at a graduation ceremony at Yale University. The march was an instant success and has become synonymous with graduation ceremonies and other ceremonial events.