Edward Elgar and Adrian Boult

Considers Boult's interpretations of Elgar's major works by drawing on Boult's annotated scores, broadcast performances and commercial recordings, ranging from the composer's last years to Boult's final public appearances.


Edward Elgar (1857-1934) and Adrian Boult (1889-1983) first met in 1904 and they saw each other frequently over the next thirty years. This book documents how Boult's Elgar interpretations evolved and the ways in which Boult drew on his experience of Elgar's own performances as well as their personal contacts. It provides fascinating biographical context, with a particular focus on the role played by the charismatic music patron Frank Schuster. A misunderstanding led to Elgar and Boult falling out in 1924 and it was not until 1931 that Elgar sought to restore their friendship.

The book considers Boult's interpretations of Elgar's major works, drawing on a variety of sources including Boult's annotated scores as well as his broadcasts and commercial recordings of Elgar's music, ranging from those made in the composer's last years to Boult's final public appearances in 1978. The view of contemporary critics provides further evidence. All the works with which Boult was closely associated are considered in detail: the two symphonies, The Dream of Gerontius, The Kingdom and The Apostles and orchestral works including the Enigma Variations, Falstaff and the Violin and Cello Concertos. The text is complemented by appendices including a chronology of performances and a discography. These provide invaluable information for anyone interested in this fascinating composer-conductor relationship, and in Boult's advocacy of Elgar's music throughout his long career.