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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Most people will have heard of...

253 replies

jeffhasgoodhair · 28/05/2023 19:20

Edward Elgar.

DH on a long speakerphone conversation with his parents now talking about the potential closing of Elgar's Birthplace by the National Trust due to lack of footfall.

They think the problem is that no one 'these days' knows who he is.

Could I be biased as I live where he lived therefore know people who have lived in one of his properties, have been in venues he frequented, know roads named after him and see statues everywhere... therefore I think he's more significant than he is?

OP posts:
viques · 28/05/2023 19:30

Royalbloo · 28/05/2023 19:28

The composer? If yes then only because my Nan had Four Seasons at her funeral

Four Seasons is Vivaldi, though I am sure Elgar would have been happy to claim it as his own.

GeraltsBathtub · 28/05/2023 19:30

I know who he is and enjoy his music but don’t know where he was from so not sure I would look for his birthplace! I don’t think it’s anywhere near me but there was a road named after him where I grew up. In Leipzig I did visit the Bach museum and Mendelssohn house so there is definitely a market for musical-related tourism though.

TinyRebellion · 28/05/2023 19:31

Never heard of him. (Mid 40s if relevant)

Original poster
jeffhasgoodhair · 28/05/2023 19:31

MostNormalWomaninBritain · 28/05/2023 19:27

This is incredibly sad! The NT property is lovely (not to mention Elgar’s music)

Not sure it's definite and the Elgar Society still own it I think, just the NT thing might not be working out.

OP posts:
Riverlee · 28/05/2023 19:31

Yes, I’ve heard of Elgar.(fifties).

Original poster
jeffhasgoodhair · 28/05/2023 19:32

Royalbloo · 28/05/2023 19:28

The composer? If yes then only because my Nan had Four Seasons at her funeral

That's Vivaldi... but Nigel Kennedy once lived here too 🤦‍♂️

OP posts:
LadyOfTheCanyon · 28/05/2023 19:33

For me this falls into three categories:

1/ Do I know who Elgar was/is? Yes.

2/ Do I like his music? I mean, it's ok, Classical isn't my thing.

3/ Am I interested in seeing where he lived? No. Because 1+2.

Of course I would like to think that any creative who left a legacy was honoured by the country- however where do you draw the line?

Original poster
jeffhasgoodhair · 28/05/2023 19:33

Sorry that was not supposed to be a facepalm but a 😀

OP posts:
Wallywobbles · 28/05/2023 19:33

Im realizing quite how broad my education was. My uni bf's father was a big name in Elgar. Can't remember why exactly (30 years ago).

Clarinet1 · 28/05/2023 19:33

Well, as a classically-trained musician, I certainly know about Elgar! However, I do think that there is a certain acceptance of a moderately educated person not knowing about classical music in a way there wouldn’t be of them not knowing about Shakespeare or Jane Austen or some other great Britons or the past; For instance I’m not much of a scientist but I’ve heard of Alan Turing, Rosalind Franklin, Joseph Lister, Crick and Watson….

Nameinspirationneeded · 28/05/2023 19:34

I know his music but nothing about him or his life. I’m not such a fan that I’d visit his house unless it was local (a cafe would be a bonus).

Original poster
jeffhasgoodhair · 28/05/2023 19:35

Willing to accept that living where I do has swayed me a little.

However my Mum always made me watch Last Night at the Proms so I don't think Elgar would've passed me by just for that reason as I didn't grow up in this town.

OP posts:
Clarinet1 · 28/05/2023 19:36

Oops of the past!

TakeMyStrongHand · 28/05/2023 19:37

I thought I hadn't heard of him but I have several songs of his in my iTunes library and they are beautiful.

AttilaThePun · 28/05/2023 19:40

Elgar is one of my favourite composers.
I haven’t visited where he came from, but I don’t live too far from Harrogate where he regularly visited, and walk along Elgar’s Walk in Valley Gardens listening to his cello concerto, absorbing the atmosphere, and imagining him doing the same walk. Apparently (according to my lovely children) this is because I’m a complete saddo!

Lagershandy · 28/05/2023 19:41

Chanson de Matin is on of my favourite classical tracks, (and though this is quite shallow, Edward Elgar was a very handsome man with a most impressive moustache!)

Royalbloo · 28/05/2023 19:41

So sorry I meant to Enigma Variations - silly brain!

BitOutOfPractice · 28/05/2023 19:42

Working class ordinary comprehensive education, no musical talent. Of course I’ve heard of him.

Nimrod is one of the most stirring pieces of music I know.

@GoodChat I’m intrigued why being from the Black Country is relevant. I’m also from there, I know Elgar.

Lidlpopdrinker · 28/05/2023 19:43

Of course I’ve heard of him. I would’ve thought most people had.

GoodChat · 28/05/2023 19:45

BitOutOfPractice · 28/05/2023 19:42

Working class ordinary comprehensive education, no musical talent. Of course I’ve heard of him.

Nimrod is one of the most stirring pieces of music I know.

@GoodChat I’m intrigued why being from the Black Country is relevant. I’m also from there, I know Elgar.

I'm not saying being from the Black Country is relevant, but if OP is surveying who does and doesn't know who he is, it's beneficial to have markers.

So, she said she might be swayed because of her location.

She might also know who he is because he's more well known to an older generation, for example.

Alternatively, neither aspect might have any relevance

Royalbloo · 28/05/2023 19:46

And concerto in E minor is beautiful

Soozikinzii · 28/05/2023 19:46

Yes I have definitely heard of Elgar .just search Elgars čello concerto played by Jacqueline du Pre for anyonecwho hasnt ! O my my !

Original poster
jeffhasgoodhair · 28/05/2023 19:47

I'd say from this sample more people have heard of him than haven't.

OP posts:
frockhopper · 28/05/2023 19:47

Never heard the name, sorry. I’m 34, from Yorkshire.

BashfulClam · 28/05/2023 19:47

Never heard of him, DH has.