Elgar's Oratorios

The oratorio was a significant and accessible musical genre in Britain from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of World War I, and Elgar's four oratorios are part of this tradition. The study explores how Elgar's works moved away from typical oratorio formats to portray a drama based on characterization, and how they gave him the tools to create a musical epic of Wagnerian proportions. It also discusses the effect of Wagnerism on Elgar's music and his reaction to being labeled Wagerian.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This title, originally published in 2002, delves into the significance of the oratorio genre in Britain from the late 18th century to the onset of World War I. Within this historical context, understanding Elgar's four oratorios provides valuable insights into his musical style, the musical landscape of the time, and the distinction between public and private religious spaces in Britain. The study explores Elgar's oratorios as part of the broader British oratorio tradition, highlighting the revolutionary nature of his compositions. By examining the English oratorio at the end of the 19th century, the author emphasizes how Elgar's works deviated from traditional oratorio formats to create dramatic narratives based on characterization rather than action. Analyzing these four compositions through a narrative lens reveals how Elgar's works, such as The Light of Life and Gerontius, laid the foundation for his musical epic in The Apostles and The Kingdom, reminiscent of the Wagnerian style. Additionally, the author delves into the impact of Wagnerism on Elgar's music and how he responded to being labeled a Wagnerian.

ISBN-13: 9781138734715