William Lloyd Webber, father of Andrew and Julian Lloyd Webber, was a composer and pupil of Vaughan Williams who largely gave up composition after feeling outmoded by a new generation.
Compositional Technique
In the last movement of Elgar's Violin Concerto, the accompanied cadenza features a unique orchestral effect where muted strings play pizzicato tremolando, creating a mysterious murmuring sound.
Composition History
The enigmatic Spanish inscription on Elgar's Violin Concerto score, 'Aquí está encerrada el alma de…' (Here is enshrined the soul of…), likely refers to Mrs. Alice Stuart Wortley, whom Elgar called 'Windflower'.
Composer Biography
Edward Elgar, the composer of the Violin Concerto, started his orchestral experience playing violin in the Three Choirs Festival orchestra in Worcester.
Composition History
William Lloyd Webber's 'The Gardens at Eastwell: A Late Summer Impression' was originally for flute and piano, but its evocative quality is fully revealed in the version for violin and string orchestra.
Historical Context
At the turn of the 20th century, the violin concerto was a particularly popular instrumental form in England, with many composers writing for it.
Composition History
Elgar's 'Carissima' was the first piece by a classical composer written specifically for a recording, with its length dictated by the capacity of a 12-inch 78-rpm disc.
