One of the last of the Romantic composers, Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was
also one of England's greatest. Famous for the boldness of his musical
creations, he composed works notable for their striking colors and
unique, very personal sense of structure. The two symphonies in this
collection represent Elgar's best and most powerful work.
The Symphony No, 1 in A-flat Major (Op. 55), termed by Grove's
Dictionary of Music and Musicians as the majestic opening of the
richest periods in Elgar's career, created a sensation and was performed
more than 100 times in the year of its debut. Its companion piece in
this edition, Symphony No. 2 in E-flat Major (Op. 63), achieves an even
greater degree of clarity and directness of expression. According to
Grove's, it may be taken to be the high-water mark of Elgar's creative
genius in instrumental music. The composer himself called this work the
passionate pilgrimage of the soul.
Reproduced from authoritative scores in this handy, high-quality volume,
the symphonies are sure to be warmly received by musicians and music
lovers alike.