Album insights
Between 1899 (the birth year of the Enigma Variations) and 1919 (the year of the Cello Concerto), Edward Elgar experienced the most creative and significant period of his life. Born in Worcester in 1857, he had struggled to gain recognition in his homeland due to being considered a provincial composer. His largely self-taught background changed with "Enigma," his first undisputed masterpiece, marking an international turning point. Elgar quickly ascended to the top of British music, earning esteem in Europe and America. Works like "The Dream of Gerontius," "Cockaigne," and the Pomp and Circumstance marches further solidified his artistic reputation, reaching diverse audiences across all social classes.
The impact of World War I left a lasting imprint on Elgar, revealing both his public and private musical expressions like never before. Through pieces like "Polonia," "Le drapeau belge," "The Spirit of England," and his chamber music masterpieces - the Violin Sonata (op. 82), String Quartet (op. 83), and Piano Quintet (op. 84) - written in rural Sussex, Elgar's creative journey continued alongside the start of his Cello Concerto in 1919.
Elgar's musical evolution emerged in the completion of various works, with his String Quartet in E minor standing out as a mature artistic achievement. Combining themes dating back to his early compositions, the quartet represented a farewell to the past and a step towards the future, showcasing Elgar's prowess at its peak. Elgar's enduring success post-breakthrough became an inspiration for younger English composers, exemplifying how British music could garner global recognition. Among these artists was the accomplished string player Frank Bridge, whose chamber music drew attention and accolades for its distinctive style and creativity.
Setting a trend in British chamber music, W.W. Cobbett initiated a competition focusing on one-movement works known as "Fantasias", inspiring composers like Frank Bridge to showcase their talents with pieces like the Phantasy String Quartet and Phantasy Piano Trio. Bridge's early success laid the foundation for his future compositions like the Drei Idyllen, well-received pieces that highlighted his versatility as a composer.
Similarly, the prodigious William Walton, inspired by his predecessors like Elgar and Bridge, commenced his musical journey at a young age, crafting notable works such as his Piano Quartet at age sixteen. Walton's innovative approach to orchestral and choral compositions like "Portsmouth Point" and "Belshazzar's Feast" quickly gained him international acclaim, solidifying his status as a renowned composer of the 20th century.
Navigating the tumultuous period of World War II, composers like Walton turned to chamber music to express their innermost emotions, evident in Walton's a-minor String Quartet completing in 1947. The intense creativity and structure of the work reflected Walton's mature artistic vision, resonating with audiences post-war, much like Elgar's impactful compositions during his time.