Synopses & Reviews
A study of nostalgia in the music of the popular twentieth-century composer Edward Elgar.
Synopsis
Elgar is today arguably the most popular British classical composer. During his lifetime, and since his death, Elgar's work has become closely associated with nostalgia of various forms. A controversial topic in contemporary Britain, nostalgia has been condemned as escapist, but here Riley offers a cautious defence of Elgarian nostalgia.
Synopsis
Edward Elgar (1857-1934) is today arguably the most popular British classical composer. During his lifetime, and since his death, Elgar's work has become closely associated with nostalgia of various forms. Evidence can be found in his personal life, in the content of his works, in his critical and biographical reception, and in numerous artistic ventures based on his character and music. Nostalgia is a controversial topic in contemporary Britain, and has been condemned as escapist and regressive, but in this book Riley offers a cautious defence of Elgarian nostalgia.
About the Author
Matthew Riley is Lecturer in Music at the University of Birmingham.