Folk Songs of England
Donald Macleod explores five of Elgar’s greatest passions - beginning with England itself.
Edward Elgar was a man of many passions, from cycling to chemistry. Best known for the patriotic epic Pomp and Circumstance, England itself may have been chief among them - but the composer's relationship with his country was more nuanced than his flag waving might suggest.
In today’s programme, Donald Macleod explores Elgar’s complicated passion for England, from his early days skiving off to explore the countryside, to his compositions for the coronation.
Pomp and Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5, Op. 39: March No. 1 in D
London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Barry Tuckwell
Caractacus, Op 35: Scene 3, Nos. 1-5
Elizabeth Llewellyn, soprano
Elgan Llŷr Thomas, tenor
Huddersfield Choral Society and Orchestra of Opera North, conducted by Martyn Brabbins
Pomp and Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5, Op. 39: March No. 3 in C Minor
London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Barry Tuckwell
The Spirit of England, Op. 80: No. 3. For the Fallen
Andrew Staples, tenor
BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis
Coronation Ode, Op. 44: I. Crown the King
Teresa Cahill, soprano
Anne Collins, contralto
Anthony Rolfe-Johnson, tenor
Gwynne Howell, bass
Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Sir Alexander Gibson
Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West
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