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This ten‑session course offers a study of the life, works, and enduring influence of Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934), one of Britain’s most significant and recognisable composers. Through guided listening, contextual discussion, and historical exploration, we will trace Elgar’s evolution from self‑taught provincial musician to internationally celebrated composer.
We will examine his major orchestral masterpieces, choral works, chamber music, and late compositions, while exploring themes such as English identity, Victorian and Edwardian society, and Elgar’s personal artistic struggles. The course will also consider his distinctive harmonic language, orchestral colour, and emotional depth, as well as his lasting contribution to British musical life.
There is a break week on 18 Feb 2027
What will we cover?
The late‑Victorian and Edwardian musical landscape
Elgar’s background: upbringing, provincial life, and self‑education
England’s search for a national musical voice
The “Enigma” Variations
Pomp and Circumstance
The Dream of Gerontius and sacred works
Orchestral Landscapes: selected symphonies and concert works
Elgar and the solo Instrument, including the Cello concerto
Late style, including the unfinished Third Symphony
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand Elgar’s life, career, and the cultural landscape of late‑Victorian and Edwardian Britain
Identify key features of Elgar’s musical style across orchestral, choral, chamber, and solo genres
Recognise his contributions to English musical identity and the broader European tradition
Discuss Elgar’s lasting impact on performers, composers, and modern audiences
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for learners at various levels and does not require the ability to read music. A general interest in Romantic music, English history and culture will be helpful. Listeners already familiar with this composer’s best‑known works may appreciate deeper analysis offered in the sessions.
Complete beginners to classical music are welcome, though basic familiarity with classical music will enhance your experience.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study.
- Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via Google Classroom.
- You will be encouraged to do further reading and listening outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online in Google Classroom after each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
To find out more about music history classes please visit Music history: your guide to our programme, which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/exploring-elgar3049462Exploring Elgarhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpg299299GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history22851314135113631228513141351<p>Journey into the life, music, and legacy of England’s great late‑Romantic master.</p><p>Break week: 18 Feb 2027</p>003049450Exploring Elgar299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-14T00:00:00+00:00Some experience, AdvancedJan 2027Performing artsMD601299299Exploring Elgar239209299Steven Robinsonexploring-elgar/md601-2627<p>Journey into the life, music, and legacy of England’s great late‑Romantic master.</p><p>Break week: 18 Feb 2027</p>0000-Available|2027-01-14 00:00:00<p>This ten‑session course offers a study of the life, works, and enduring influence of Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934), one of Britain’s most significant and recognisable composers. Through guided listening, contextual discussion, and historical exploration, we will trace Elgar’s evolution from self‑taught provincial musician to internationally celebrated composer.</p><p>We will examine his major orchestral masterpieces, choral works, chamber music, and late compositions, while exploring themes such as English identity, Victorian and Edwardian society, and Elgar’s personal artistic struggles. The course will also consider his distinctive harmonic language, orchestral colour, and emotional depth, as well as his lasting contribution to British musical life.</p><p>There is a break week on 18 Feb 2027</p><p>Journey into the life, music, and legacy of England’s great late‑Romantic master.</p><p>Break week: 18 Feb 2027</p><ul><li>The late‑Victorian and Edwardian musical landscape</li><li>Elgar’s background: upbringing, provincial life, and self‑education</li><li>England’s search for a national musical voice</li><li>The “Enigma” Variations</li><li>Pomp and Circumstance</li><li><em>The Dream of Gerontius</em> and sacred works</li><li>Orchestral Landscapes: selected symphonies and concert works</li><li>Elgar and the solo Instrument, including the Cello concerto</li></ul><p>Late style, including the unfinished Third Symphony</p><ul><li>Understand Elgar’s life, career, and the cultural landscape of late‑Victorian and Edwardian Britain</li><li>Identify key features of Elgar’s musical style across orchestral, choral, chamber, and solo genres</li><li>Recognise his contributions to English musical identity and the broader European tradition</li><li>Discuss Elgar’s lasting impact on performers, composers, and modern audiences</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for learners at various levels and does not require the ability to read music. A general interest in Romantic music, English history and culture will be helpful. Listeners already familiar with this composer’s best‑known works may appreciate deeper analysis offered in the sessions.</p><p>Complete beginners to classical music are welcome, though basic familiarity with classical music will enhance your experience.</p><p>- Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study. </p><p>- Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via Google Classroom.</p><p>- You will be encouraged to do further reading and listening outside class.</p><p>You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online in Google Classroom after each session.</p><p>To find out more about music history classes please visit <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Music history: your guide to our programme</a>, which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.</p>MusicMusic historyvirtual239299209MD601NONEThu14/01/27 - 25/03/2713:30 - 15:3013:3015:3010 sessions (over 11 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetSteven RobinsonSome experience, AdvancedAvailable courses2027-01-14T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2027Performing arts299299Exploring Elgarexploring-elgar/md601-2627<p>Journey into the life, music, and legacy of England’s great late‑Romantic master.</p><p>Break week: 18 Feb 2027</p>0000-Available|2027-01-14 00:00:00<p>This ten‑session course offers a study of the life, works, and enduring influence of Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934), one of Britain’s most significant and recognisable composers. Through guided listening, contextual discussion, and historical exploration, we will trace Elgar’s evolution from self‑taught provincial musician to internationally celebrated composer.</p><p>We will examine his major orchestral masterpieces, choral works, chamber music, and late compositions, while exploring themes such as English identity, Victorian and Edwardian society, and Elgar’s personal artistic struggles. The course will also consider his distinctive harmonic language, orchestral colour, and emotional depth, as well as his lasting contribution to British musical life.</p><p>There is a break week on 18 Feb 2027</p><p>Journey into the life, music, and legacy of England’s great late‑Romantic master.</p><p>Break week: 18 Feb 2027</p><ul><li>The late‑Victorian and Edwardian musical landscape</li><li>Elgar’s background: upbringing, provincial life, and self‑education</li><li>England’s search for a national musical voice</li><li>The “Enigma” Variations</li><li>Pomp and Circumstance</li><li><em>The Dream of Gerontius</em> and sacred works</li><li>Orchestral Landscapes: selected symphonies and concert works</li><li>Elgar and the solo Instrument, including the Cello concerto</li></ul><p>Late style, including the unfinished Third Symphony</p><ul><li>Understand Elgar’s life, career, and the cultural landscape of late‑Victorian and Edwardian Britain</li><li>Identify key features of Elgar’s musical style across orchestral, choral, chamber, and solo genres</li><li>Recognise his contributions to English musical identity and the broader European tradition</li><li>Discuss Elgar’s lasting impact on performers, composers, and modern audiences</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for learners at various levels and does not require the ability to read music. A general interest in Romantic music, English history and culture will be helpful. Listeners already familiar with this composer’s best‑known works may appreciate deeper analysis offered in the sessions.</p><p>Complete beginners to classical music are welcome, though basic familiarity with classical music will enhance your experience.</p><p>- Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study. </p><p>- Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via Google Classroom.</p><p>- You will be encouraged to do further reading and listening outside class.</p><p>You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online in Google Classroom after each session.</p><p>To find out more about music history classes please visit <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Music history: your guide to our programme</a>, which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.</p>MusicMusic historyconfigurable
13631351Music historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history1/2/285/1314/1351/13631/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history
