The song of grads
BY TRESA ERICKSON

Can you name the song often played as graduates walk across the stage to receive their diplomas? "Pomp and Circumstance," right? Do you know who composed the song? No, well then, read on to learn more about Sir Edward Elgar.

Elgar was born on June 2, 1857, in a small village outside of Worcester, England. His father was a piano tuner and music dealer, and in his father's shop surrounded by music, Elgar taught himself a lot about the field. He began composing works in his childhood and gave violin and piano lessons as a teen. At age 22, Elgar became bandmaster at a local asylum and continued to compose pieces in his free time. He also performed as a violinist.

After marrying in his early 30s, Elgar and his wife moved to London where he could pursue his musical talents further. They had trouble making ends meet, however, and returned home where Elgar could teach.

During the 1890s, Elgar expanded his skills as a composer, with his first major orchestral work premiering in London in 1899. In 1901, Elgar started work on his five "Pomp and Circumstance" marches. For the first march, Elgar set the melody to words in order to use it as a coronation ode for King Edward VII.

During this time, Elgar received many requests to come to the United States and conduct some of his works. He refused until Samuel Sanford, a professor of applied music at Yale, persuaded him. Elgar and his wife arrived in New York on June 9, 1905. He stayed with Sanford and prepared to receive an Honorary Degree of Music on June 28 from Yale.

At the graduation ceremony at Yale, over 600 candidates received degrees. Guests left the ceremony to the music of Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance." The piece made quite an impression. Its tones of triumph and nostalgia appealed to many, and before long, other prestigious American universities began using the song in their graduation ceremonies.

During WWI, Elgar's music fell out of favor. He composed one last major work before his wife died in 1920. He spent the remainder of his life mentoring young conductors, recording his work and working on an opera he would never finish.

Elgar died on February 23, 1934. He left behind a body of revered work, including "Pomp and Circumstance," which continues to be played at graduation ceremonies all over the country.