Mrs. Edward Elgar

I am playing a concert tomorrow evening which includes a favorite piece of mine by British composer Edward Elgar (1857-1934). Although he's not a household name, most every adult can hum one of his most famous pieces, Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1. Otherwise known as the music that gets played over and over at graduations.



In reading about his life, I ran across this little bit about his wife in this article. Oh, that I could be such a blessing to MY husband!

In 1920, Lady Elgar died and with her died much of Elgar's inspiration and will to compose. She had organised his household and ministered to his comforts. For a long time she saved him hours of drudgery, for instance by ruling bar lines on score paper. She walked miles in all weathers to post precious parcels of manuscript and proofs. In the early days of their marriage she had collaborated with him to produce such works as Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands (1896) - Elgar's settings of his wife's poems inspired by holidays spent in Germany. At times when success seemed forever to be eluding him, she never lost faith. In short, she had been the driving force behind his genius encouraging him and proclaiming his talents at every opportunity.

Interestingly, her family had discouraged her from marrying the man who was beneath her. Elgar, the son of a tradesman and a lowly music teacher "without prospects," wasn't good enough for their girl. He eventually became one of Britain's most loved composers and was knighted for his accomplishments.

Thank you, Lord, for Caroline Alice Roberts Elgar, who provides us with an example of a woman who had faith in her husband and played a vital role in his life and career.