Edward Elgar's Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61, is one of his longest orchestral compositions, and the last of his works to gain immediate popular success.
Elgar in 1917
Fritz Kreisler, dedicatee of the concerto
Alice Stuart-Wortley, Elgar's "Windflower", one of several women conjectured as the composer's muse
Sir Edward William Elgar, 1st Baronet, was an English composer, many of whose works have entered the British and international classical concert repertoire. Among his best-known compositions are orchestral works including the Enigma Variations, the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, concertos for violin and cello, and two symphonies. He also composed choral works, including The Dream of Gerontius, chamber music and songs. He was appointed Master of the King's Musick in 1924.
Edward Elgar, c. 1900
Elgar's birthplace, The Firs, Lower Broadheath, Worcestershire
Elgar's parents, William and Ann Elgar
Edward and Alice Elgar, c. 1891