Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Donald Macleod explores some of the challenges Elgar and his wife Alice met together during their first years of marriage.

Elgar might never have reached his full potential but for the care and support of his wife, Alice. Donald Macleod explores some of the challenges they met together during their first years of marriage.

Elgar emerged onto the scene at a time when Britain was still described as 'a land without music'. He played a central role in reviving this country's musical reputation, and his success won him fame, honours and a place at the heart of the cultural establishment. Nevertheless, he cast himself as an outsider throughout his long career.

1 hour

Last on

Tue 8 Sep 2015 18:30

Music Played

  • Edward Elgar

    Sursum Corda (Elevation) Op.11 For Brass, Organ And String Orchestra

    Performer: Roderick Elms. Choir: London Symphony Chorus. Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Richard Hickox.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN-8788.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 7.
  • Edward Elgar

    Salut D'Amour, Arr. Misc. For Violin, Cello & Piano [orig.Vn & Pf]

    Performer: Nigel Kennedy. Performer: Steven Isserlis. Performer: Peter Pettinger.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN-8380.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 1.
  • Edward Elgar

    Mot D'Amour Op.13 For Violin & Piano

    Performer: Nigel Kennedy. Performer: Peter Pettinger.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN-8380.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 2.
  • Edward Elgar

    The Black Knight Op.25 For Chorus And Orchestra

    Choir: London Symphony Chorus. Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Richard Hickox.
    • CHANDOS : chan-9436.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 6.
  • Edward Elgar

    Froissart - Concert Overture Op.19

    Orchestra: English String Orchestra. Conductor: William Boughton.
    • NIMBUS : NI-1769.
    • NIMBUS.
    • 17.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 8 Sep 2015 12:00
  • Tue 8 Sep 2015 18:30

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.