“There is music in the air, music all around us, the world is full of it and you just take what you need”-Sir Edward Elgar. Elgar was one of the most famous composers of the 19th century. He dedicated his life to writing musical pieces such as Enigma Variations, The Dream of Gerontius and Pomp and Circumstance Marches. Some aspects of Elgar's personality, such as his wit and creative humor, are found in his music and distinguish him 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 brothers 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 in St. Georges Church. Although he was fascinated by music in general, what really attracted him was the violin. Elgar spent many hours in his father's shop studying sheet music where he discovered most of his knowledge of music theory. Elgar was not only infatuated with music, but had a love of nature and cycling. He often went into the countryside on his bicycle on nice days and studied scores. His love of nature and music began to coincide. At the age of 15 Elgar dreamed of moving 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 teaching music lessons. He often played the violin and composed for the Worcester Glee club. He began to develop a reputation and was soon hired as band director for the Worcester and County Lunatic Asylum. . The asylum focused on treating patients with... means of paper... He received wide 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 his disgust at war and the loss of life. Elgar went on to compose the Elegiac Cello Concerto, considered his last masterpiece. Elgar died of cancer in 1933 leaving behind his legacy that 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 music education charity. Elgar is by far one of the greatest English composers. His statues stand today in his hometown of Worcester along with the Elgar Birthplace Museum. His influence on music can be easily seen in much of today's society.