J.P.E. Harper-Scott: Elgar - An Extraordinary Life
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain?s greatest composers, Sir Edward Elgar, renowned Elgar scholar J.P.E. Harper-Scott casts new and frequently surprising light on Elgar, chronicling his rise to the forefront of early twentieth-century modernism in this concise and absorbing volume. Hailed by the June 2007 BBC Music Magazine as 'possibly the best first stop for learning about Elgar's life,' this fascinating and accessible history is suitable for both students and Elgar enthusiasts alike. J.P.E. Harper-Scott takes a combative swipe at many of the critical myths and prejudices that have attached themselves to the figure of Elgar, revealing both a surprisingly elusive personality and a deeper, often darker, message within his works. Questions answered include How did the son of a provincial piano tuner rise to international fame? Was the English countryside the principle inspiration for Elgar's music? Was this moustachioed, red-blooded, imperialist all that he seemed? And more!
