Elgar's Introduction and Allegro for Strings was dedicated to Professor S.S. Sanford of Yale University, U.S.A., a tribute to their close friendship.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Elgar described his Cockaigne Overture as "cheerful and Londony 'stout and steaky'", despite his own perpetually pessimistic nature.
Critical Reception
The premiere of Elgar's Cockaigne Overture in 1901 was a "Great glorious success," with critics praising its "powerful expression of healthy & exuberant life."
Composer Biography
Elgar's initial negative attitude towards Americans softened due to the efforts of Samuel Simons Sanford, a Professor of Applied Music at Yale University and a friend of Elgar, leading to Elgar's first American tour in 1905.
Recording & Production
All the recordings on this album are first commercial releases, recorded live at Radio City Studio 8H in New York in 1940 and 1945.
Performer Biography
Yehudi Menuhin, the violinist on this recording, performed hundreds of concerts for troops across the world during World War II, including in Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, and at the recently liberated Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
Composition History
Elgar's Violin Concerto was largely spurred by the comments of Austrian violinist Fritz Kreisler, who wished Elgar would write something for the violin.
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