Sursum corda, Op. 11 is a musical work by the English composer Edward Elgar for strings, brass, timpani and organ, composed in 1894. The composer dedicated it to his friend Henry Dyke Acland (1850-1936), an amateur cellist who was his golfing companion, manager of the Worcester Old Bank in Malvern, and son of Henry Acland.[1][2][3]
It was first performed at Worcester Cathedral on 9 April 1894, under the baton of Hugh Blair, organist of the cathedral. The composer was absent from this performance due to ill health.[1][4][5] Its first London performance took place at a Queen's Hall Promenade Concert on 21 September 1901.
The title translates from the Latin to read, "Lift up your hearts".
The work is scored for strings, 2 trumpets in B♭, 4 horns in F, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani and organ.
Adagio solenne b flat major 2/4
The work begins with b flat call of brass. Strings expose main subject shown in excerpt 1.
Excerpt 1
After the climax, the music calms down. A new material is provided in the dialogue between organ and strings following the b flat call (Excerpt 2).
Excerpt 2
Second climax, developed from excerpt 2, is followed by reappearance of excerpt 1. Brass call indicates the end of the final climax, and coda, using excerpt 1 and other materials, concludes the work with satisfying sound of tutti.
Average performance of this work needs approximately 10 minutes.[5]
The work has been transcribed for concert band by Bruce Houseknecht. This version was published in 1967 by Carl Fischer, Inc.
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