Probably the greatest British composer of all time. His music was inspired by his cultural interests and his love for the English countryside, as well as by the music of other great European composers. In his output we encounter every genre of classical music except opera. Elgar and his music embody the essence of England.

Elgar's father was a piano tuner and owned a music shop. The boy took lessons locally in organ, violin and other instruments. He amassed as much musical knowledge and experience as he could in his father's shop, church music activities and local music societies. Plans to study in Leipzig never materialised due to lack of money, but he took violin lessons with Adolf Pollitzer in London. At the age of 16 he became a lifelong freelance musician, and never held a regular post.

His career got off to a slow start. He was the assistant, later successor, to his father as organist at St George's Catholic Church. He also played violin in various orchestras. During the 1890s his first compositions were publicly performed and gradually found recognition. In 1897 his Imperial March, composed for Queen Victoria's Jubilee, brought him success, and his fame spread with works such as the Enigma Variations, the Cockaigne Overture and the Pomp and Circumstance Marches (the first of which was to become world-famous as Land of Hope and Glory). He wrote the finest English oratorio since the time of Handel, The Dream of Gerontius. In 1920 Elgar's wife died, and for the remaining 14 years of his life he published little of importance. Biographical notes (c) 1996 Philips Classics ProductionsA selection of major works.

Orchestral: Two symphonies, Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma), Overture Cockaigne (in London Town), Overture In the South (Alassio), Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Falstaff (symphonic study), From the Bavarian Highlands, Violin Concerto, Cello Concerto, Introduction and Allegro, The Wand of Youth.

Chamber: Piano Quintet, String Quartet, Violin Sonata, La capricieuse, Une idylle.

Instrumental solo: Salut d'amour, Sonatina.

Choral: The Dream of Gerontius (oratorio), The Apostles (oratorio), The Kingdom (oratorio), Te Deum.