Composer

:

Edward Elgar

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

March

Compose Date

:

1907

Average_duration

:

5:09

Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4 in G major, Op. 39/4" was composed in 1907 and premiered on October 19th of the same year at the Queen's Hall in London. The piece is part of a set of five marches, all of which were composed between 1901 and 1930. The march is divided into three distinct sections or movements. The first movement is marked "Allegro giusto" and begins with a fanfare-like introduction played by the brass section. This is followed by the main theme, which is introduced by the strings and then taken up by the full orchestra. The theme is characterized by its bold, triumphant melody and its use of dotted rhythms. The first movement also features a contrasting section in the middle, which is marked by a change in key and a more subdued, lyrical melody. The second movement is marked "Larghetto" and is more introspective in nature. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding back into the gentle opening theme. The final movement is marked "Molto allegro" and is characterized by its energetic, dance-like rhythm. The movement begins with a lively melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the full orchestra. The movement features several contrasting sections, including a slower, more lyrical section in the middle. Overall, "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4" is a grand, celebratory piece of music that is often associated with formal occasions such as graduations and military ceremonies. Its bold, triumphant melodies and use of brass and percussion instruments make it a powerful and memorable piece of music.

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