Question 1

True or false: Edward Elgar composed the famous 'Pomp and Circumstance' march used at graduations.

Accepted Answer

True. True. He wrote five Pomp and Circumstance marches; March No. 1 is iconic for graduation ceremonies worldwide.

Question 2

True or false: Elgar was knighted by Queen Victoria for his 'Enigma Variations'.

Accepted Answer

False. False. He was knighted in 1904 by King Edward VII, not Victoria, who had died in 1901.

Question 3

True or false: Elgar wrote a symphony in E minor that was premiered by Gustav Mahler.

Accepted Answer

False. False. His Symphony No. 1 in A-flat major was premiered by Hans Richter, not Mahler.

Question 4

True or false: Elgar's 'Cello Concerto' was one of the first major works recorded by a British composer.

Accepted Answer

False. False. It was recorded in 1919, but earlier recordings of his works exist, like the 'Land of Hope and Glory' from 1901.

Question 5

True or false: Elgar’s 'Enigma Variations' includes a movement based on his pet bulldog.

Accepted Answer

True. True. The 11th variation depicts his bulldog Dan falling into the river while on a walk with Elgar.

Question 6

True or false: Elgar was an avid cyclist and even composed while riding his bicycle.

Accepted Answer

True. True. He loved cycling and would often jot down musical ideas while pedaling through the English countryside.

Question 7

True or false: Elgar was a keen amateur chemist and built a laboratory in his garden.

Accepted Answer

False. False. He was interested in science but never built a lab. He did, however, enjoy experimenting with chemicals for photography.

Question 8

True or false: Elgar never learned to play the violin professionally.

Accepted Answer

True. True. Though he was a skilled violinist and teacher, he was largely self-taught and never held a professional orchestral post.

Edward Elgar Trivia Questions