Chats About Elgar

By Richard Westwood-Brookes

This is a personal view of the life and achievements of the English composer Sir Edward Elgar, by Richard Westwood-Brookes, who has spent more than 50 years studying his life and works, and who gives regular public talks about Elgar at his birthplace museum near Worcester, England.
The 'chats' are based largely on the talks Richard has given over many years, and are intended as an introduction to Elgar and his music, particularly for those who know nothing about him, and perhaps may be wary of classical music in general.
It explores who he was, what his character was like, based on the views of some of those who knew him in his early days as well as such figures as the poet Siegfried Sassoon, who knew him much later in his life, and by all accounts didn't think that much of him.
There are also 'chats' about some of his most famous compositions including the 'Enigma' Variations, 'The Dream of Gerontius' and 'Land of Hope and Glory', and questions whether some of the well-held notions about both him and his works are nothing more than fanciful myths. The book also discusses Elgar's business dealings - which hardly brought him any true financial rewards - the rather strange episode when, for half a year, he topped the bill at the Music Halls up and down the country, in a show which featured magicians, ventriloquists, impersonators and a female boxing act, and also explores some of the mysteries which surrounded his life.
More than anything it is intended as a 'good read', written in a non-technical and entertaining style which can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of whether you know anything at all about Elgar - but hopefully, after reading it, you might be interested in learning a little more, and perhaps listen to some of his wonderful music.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B09TMWP9BZ
• ISBN13: 9798418284969
• Release Date: March 2022
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"