Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
British composer; largely self-taught. Brilliant orchestration in the late Romantic tradition.
"My idea is that there is music in the air, music all around us, the world is full of it and you simply take as much as you require."
Best known works: Dream of Gerontius (oratorio), Pomp and Circumstance (march), Enigma Variations, Violin Concerto, Symphony No.2, Cello Concerto, Seranade for Strings, chamber music