Sir Edward Elgar

1 5.8

An English composer of famous orchestral pieces and choir music, including the Enigma Variations

proper noun

: Sir Edward Elgar

Many orchestras perform works by Sir Edward Elgar, especially the Enigma Variations.

Examples

Sir Edward Elgar was knighted for his contributions to English music.
The music of Sir Edward Elgar remains popular at British ceremonies and events.
Many people admire Sir Edward Elgar for his musical genius.
Did you know that Sir Edward Elgar composed the Enigma Variations?
Sir Edward Elgar is celebrated for his powerful orchestral compositions, particularly the Pomp and Circumstance marches.
The works of Sir Edward Elgar are frequently performed in concert halls around the world.
Students often study the compositions of Sir Edward Elgar in music appreciation classes.

Surface Forms

Sir Edward Elgar main

Morphology

Sir + Edward + Elgar

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical individual. Knowing the constituents (the title 'Sir' and the names 'Edward' and 'Elgar') may signal that the referent is a titled person, but it does not allow a B1 learner to infer that he was an English composer or any biographical details, so the meaning is not compositionally derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Sir Edward Elgar was a famous English composer who was given the title Sir in a ceremony where the king or queen honours someone for their work. Because of that honour and his famous marches like 'Pomp and Circumstance', his name now stands for an important British composer and the music often played at big ceremonies.