Pomp and Circumstance (Edward Elgar)

Program Notes

Composed by Edward Elgar, arranged by Ian Deterling.

• A new version of Pomp and Circumstance with the musicians, directors, and (potential marathon-length) performances in mind! 

• This arrangement is different than most in that it is constructed to be as flexible as possible (in both instrumentation and performance length). With the exception of a short intro and ending coda, there are four 20-measure sections. Sections 1 and 4 are like most other arrangements; the well-known melody over a pulsating quarter note accompaniment. 

• Sections 2 and 3 differ in that each instrument has measures of rest to save their chops. These two sections are also musically different; while following the same chord progression, they incorporate the main melody in different ways: segmented, inverted, reversed, inverted AND reversed… These sections are written to by stylistically correct with the original, but musically more interesting and rewarding for the performers.  

• In performance, each section is labeled ([1], [2], [3] and [4]) - and the coda is labeled [5]. This is to make it as easy as possible for the conductor, who only has to hold up as many fingers to which section he or she wants the band perform next. Each section has the option to go to the coda if directed, and each section will seamlessly go into any other section (if going out of order/skipping/repeating sections is desired).