James Judd, the British-born conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, was invited to be Assistant Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra by Lorin Maazel and later became Associate Music Director of the European Community Youth Orchestra under Claudio Abbado.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Musically, Elgar was closer to German Romantic composers of his time than to the developing English musical style, which relied on newly collected folk-song.
Composition History
Elgar's symphonic prelude 'Polonia' was written in 1915 for a concert aiding the Polish Victims' Relief Fund and incorporates Polish national themes, including a hymn and melodies by Chopin and Paderewski.
Cultural Impact
The trio melody of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, which he called 'a tune that will knock 'em flat', gained further fame as the melody for 'Land of Hope and Glory'.
Composer Biography
Edward Elgar, despite his public image as an Edwardian country gentleman, was the son of a shopkeeper, a background that marked a man for life in his era.
Composition History
Elgar's first success beyond his West Country home was the Imperial March in 1897, written for Queen Victoria's royal jubilee.
Performer Biography
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director James Judd, has won international acclaim through its CDs and has performed with distinguished musicians like Igor Stravinsky and Yehudi Menuhin.
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Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39, The Crown of India, Op. 66a & Imperial March, Op. 32
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Elgar:Pomp & Circumstance Marches, etc
Walton: Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Orb and Scepter & Crown Imperial
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches - Symphonies 1&2
Elgar: Enigma Variations, Pomp and Circumstance Marches
