Elgar was pre-eminently the composer of large forms. Complex, lengthy development of musical ideas was for him a measure of genius. His songs, with the exception of the orchestral cycle Sea Pictures , were not often the vehicles for his most striking ideas. Paradoxically, he was also bedevilled by a fine literally taste. He once told a friend that he felt it better to set the best second-rate poetry to music, for the most immortal verse is music already. Some of his songs are therefore settings of poets now all but forgotten, such as Arthur Salmon and Gilbert Parker: to their verse his music might make a vital addition. Elgar's songs offer authentic Edwardian reflections which we can value now in their own terms. These songs are full of echoes of a master's thoughts - and especially in the songs written for the stage - flashes of his genius. / Chant Et Piano

Edward Elgar's The Dream Of Gerontius is a splendid oratorio for Mezzo-soprano, Tenor and Bass with Chorus and Orchestra. It is based on the epic poem, The Dream of Gerontius by John Henry Newman written in 1865. The original vocal score of Gerontius was actually printed before Elgar's had even finalised or completed his final orchestration and as such it was printed without many of the markings that were added in the later full score. This new edition brings vocal and full scores into agreement for the first time having been authentically and effectively edited by Hywel Davies and Bruce Wood, and also includes helpful notes on the background to the work as well as an outline of the editorial procedure and list of sources. This New Novello Choral Edition of the Vocal score with Piano reduction of the orchestral materialincludes a detailed foreword listing history, sources and editorial proceedure. / Chant Et Piano

Pleading is a song for solo voice with Piano accompaniment written in 1908. It was composed for and dedicated to the composer's great friend Lady Maud Warrender. It was published as the composer's opus 41 in three arrangements: No. 1 is for medium voice and is set in the Key of G major. Versions for low and high voices are also available. The text is from a poem by Arthur L. Salmon.Edward Elgar (1857-1934) is one of England’s best-known and most-loved composers. He was self-taught as composer coming from outside the musical and social establishment which allowed his music to be fresh and unencumbered.

Song for Alto voice and Piano using the Wiltshire folk-song'The Wiltshire Wedding? Text: Edward Thomas / Voix Et Piano