Graduation Day Memories with Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No 1
The Best Moments
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major, Op. 39 No. 1
I'm Edward Elgar, and these are the best moments of my Pomp and Circumstance March No 1. You'll hear the brisk opening give way to the broad, singing tune of the middle section, the one that made this march loved far beyond the concert hall. My fellow composers and I also help you learn to recognize our pieces the moment they begin, so why not test yourself in the Trainer right here on this site?
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Fire Safety Not Included
I start the march with a marking that tells the orchestra to play lively and with much fire, which is about as subtle as a starting pistol. The brisk opening tune is played twice, in case anyone was still finding their seat the first time.
The Tune That Waited Its Turn
I let a short bridge calm things down, and then I move into G major for the middle section, where the big, singing tune finally arrives. About a year later it would get words and become "Land of Hope and Glory", as if it had been patiently waiting to be asked.
The Organ Arrives Fashionably Late
I bring that big tune back in D major, fuller than before, and only in this last statement do I let the organ join in, like a guest turning up just in time for dessert. Then I finish with a reminder of the opening march, so the piece ends where it began.
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So that's the march, from its fiery opening to the grand return of the big tune at the end. I hope you enjoyed learning about the best moments of Pomp and Circumstance March No 1. When I wrote it in 1901, I could hardly have guessed how far that central melody would travel. There's still plenty more to explore, from the way the tune later found its words to the many places where people hear it today. If you'd like to keep going, please click on the links on this page and carry on exploring Pomp and Circumstance March No 1. I'd be delighted to have you along for the rest of the journey.