“There is music in the air, music all around us, the world is full of it and you just take as much as you need” - Sir Edward Elgar. Elgar was one of the most famous composers of the 19th century. He devoted his life to writing musical pieces such as Enigma Variations, The Dream of Gerontius and the Pomp and Circumstance Marches. Certain aspects of Elgar's personality, such as his wit and creative humor, are reflected in his music and set him apart from other composers of his time. Elgar was born in the small village of Lower Broadheath in England to a music merchant. He was the 4th of 7 siblings and was very precocious. Elgar grew up reading the writings of Voltaire and Longfellow and began taking piano and violin lessons at age 8. Elgar spent many Sundays listening to his father play the organ at St. George's Church. Although he was fascinated by music in general, it was the violin that really appealed to him. Elgar spent many hours in his father's shop studying sheet music where he discovered the majority of his knowledge of music theory. Not only was Elgar passionate about music, but he also loved nature and cycling. He often went for bike rides in the countryside on sunny days and studied sheet music. His love for nature and music began to coincide. At the age of 15, Elgar aspired to move to Germany to compose music, but due to lack of money he was unable to do so. Instead, he began working as a lawyer, which he despised. After several months, Elgar quit his job and began giving music lessons. He often played the violin and composed for the Worcester Glee club. He began to build a reputation and was soon hired as conductor for Worcester and County Lunatic Asylum. . The asylum focused on treating patients with...... middle of paper ...... received widespread fame for the Enigma Variations and traveled throughout Europe and America to compose them. Elgar became a world-famous musician and celebrity. During World War I, his music began to lose touch with society due to its disgust with war and the loss of life. Elgar went on to compose the Elegiac Cello Concerto, considered his last masterpiece. Elgar later died of cancer in 1933, leaving behind his legacy which inspired composers such as Yehudi Menuhin and Adrian Boult. In 1951, the Elgar Society was created to introduce his music to younger generations. It also acts as a charity in support of music education. Elgar is by far one of the greatest English composers. Statues of him can be found today in his hometown of Worcester, as well as at the Elgar Birthplace Museum. His influence on music is easily seen in much of today's society..