Imperial March Edward Elgar / Arr. José Schyns

Great symphonic transcriptions by José SCHYNS
CD Sarcasmes

Edward Elgar's Imperial March was originally written to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897, scored for full orchestra. Various organ arrangements have been made over the years, including a particularly successful one by George Martin (not the Beatles producer, but the organist of St Paul's Cathedral from 1888).

It was first performed by massed bands at the Crystal Palace, and then at a royal garden party, a state concert, and at the Albert Hall by the Royal Artillery Band. At the time it was written it proved extremely popular, capturing the mood of civic pride and national confidence at the end of Victoria's reign. It has retained its popular appeal as the years have gone by.