Edward Elgar (1857-1934)

The Gramophone guide to the best Elgar recordings

Edward Elgar (Tully Potter Collection)

Introduction

Elgar worked firmly within conventional 19th century German harmonic and structural traditions, yet his voice is quintessentially English. His lyrical side conjures up tranquil pastoral beauty; his pomposity and ebullience remind us of the British bulldog – one with teeth. Read the full biography.

More on Elgar...

Elgar Remembered – a centenary tribute by Compton Mackenzie (Gramophone, June 1957)

Jacqueline du Pré – recording Elgar's Cello Concerto (Gramophone, August 2004) by Martin Cullingford

Elgar – 10 Essential Recordings

New to Elgar? Here's a list of the top 10 recordings to help start your collection...

1. Enigma Variations
2. Cello Concerto
3. Symphony No 1
4. The Dream of Gerontius
5. Violin Concerto
6. Symphony No 2
7. Pomp and Circumstance Marches
8. Sea Pictures
9. The Kingdom
10. The Apostles

Building your Collection

Select a musical category below to explore the finest Elgar recordings available.

Orchestral Chamber/Inst. Vocal

Cello Concerto Organ Works The Apostles

Enigma Variations Piano Quintet The Black Knight

Falstaff Violin Sonata The Crown of India

Pomp and Circumstance The Dream of Gerontius

Symphony No 1 The Kingdom

Symphony No 2 The Light of Life

Symphony No 3 Sea Pictures

Violin Concerto

'The Longed-for Light'

More Gramophone Composer Guides

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