Always a source of continual discussion.
Edward Elgar is the quintessential English composer. Because he was Catholic, he achieved acclaim in Germany before he was recognized in Britain. WW I broke his heart. He composed some of his darkest music after the war, including the Cello Concerto. The Enigma Variations was an instant hit, right from the first performance in Munich. Elgar was not confident in his conducting, so he asked Richard Strauss to give the first performance. It was met with a thunderous ovation. After the performance, Richard Strauss was quoted as saying:
"Damn, why didn't I write that".
Edward Elgar is the quintessential English composer. Because he was Catholic, he achieved acclaim in Germany before he was recognized in Britain. WW I broke his heart. He composed some of his darkest music after the war, including the Cello Concerto. The Enigma Variations was an instant hit, right from the first performance in Munich. Elgar was not confident in his conducting, so he asked Richard Strauss to give the first performance. It was met with a thunderous ovation. After the performance, Richard Strauss was quoted as saying:
"Damn, why didn't I write that".
