Before gaining fame, Edward Elgar led a modest life as a violin teacher and organist, following in his father's footsteps.
Performer Biography
Sir Colin Davis's decision to become a conductor was inspired by attending a performance of Hector Berlioz's L'enfance du Christ.
Historical Context
The Staatskapelle Dresden, featured on this album, is one of the world's oldest orchestras, founded in 1548, and has performed continuously for over 450 years.
Critical Reception
At the first rehearsal of Elgar's Symphony No. 1, conductor Hans Richter declared it the "greatest symphony of the modern era," and it received over 100 performances in Europe within a year.
Notable Performances
Edward Elgar's Symphony No. 1 was premiered on December 3, 1908, by the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester, conducted by Hans Richter, who championed Elgar's orchestral works.
Composer Biography
Edward Elgar, the composer of Symphony No. 1, was largely self-taught in music, learning many instruments on his own initiative.
Performer Biography
Sir Colin Davis, the conductor on this album, was appointed Honorary Conductor of the Staatskapelle Dresden in 1991, a position created specially for him.
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