Life in the UK Test
Sign in
Back to A Modern, Thriving Society

Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Walton

Study note

Sir Edward Elgar was born in Worcester and is one of England's best-known composers. He is most famous for the Pomp and Circumstance Marches. The first of these, March No 1, is also known as Land of Hope and Glory and is traditionally played at the Last Night of the Proms, which makes it instantly recognisable to many people.

Ralph Vaughan Williams was another important composer of this period, strongly influenced by traditional English folk music, which he wove into his own work. Sir William Walton was a versatile composer who wrote everything from film scores to opera. For this topic, link Elgar with the Pomp and Circumstance Marches and Vaughan Williams with English folk music.

Memory tip: Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance (Land of Hope and Glory); Vaughan Williams: English folk.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2

Which composer is best known for the Pomp and Circumstance Marches?

Score so far: 0 / 0
Show all questions and answers for Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Walton(2 questions with explanations)

Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Walton: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Which composer is best known for the Pomp and Circumstance Marches?

    • Benjamin Britten
    • Gustav Holst
    • Henry Purcell
    • Sir Edward Elgar

    Correct answer: Sir Edward Elgar

    Sir Edward Elgar wrote the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, including Land of Hope and Glory.

  2. 2. Which composer was strongly influenced by traditional English folk music?

    • Gustav Holst
    • Ralph Vaughan Williams
    • George Frideric Handel
    • Sir William Walton

    Correct answer: Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Ralph Vaughan Williams drew strongly on traditional English folk music.

Back to A Modern, Thriving Society, or try a mock test or timed exam.