Pomp and Circumstance No. 4

The five marches from the series “Pomp and Circumstance” op. 39 surely belong to the most famous compositions by British composer Edward Elgar. He wrote them between 1901 and 1930. The series’ first march with the lyrics “Land of Hope and Glory” became an unofficial English anthem. Also march No. 4, which Elgar finished in 1907, has a very solemn impression and presents a great melody in the Trio. Elgar used the same melody again two years later for a piece with the title “The King’s Way”. In 1940, during World War II, the march No. 4 also gained lyrics. The poet A. P. Herbert wrote a patriotic poem, its chorus beginning with the words “All men must be free”. The lyrics, combined with Elgar’s Trio melody, became famous as “Song of Liberty”. At the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana “Pomp and Circumstance No. 4” served as recessional. Accompanied by its festive sounds, they solemnly walked down the long aisle of St. Paul’s Cathedral towards the expectant crowd.