Dani Braun

MuEd 211
Teaching Analysis
The Snow by Edward Elgar was composed around 1890 while he
was in London.
Background of the Composer
Sir Edward William Elgar, 1st Baronet was born June 2, 1857 as
the fourth child of seven in small village of Lower Broadheath, England.
His father, William Elgar was a piano tuner and sold instruments and
sheet music. His mother, Ann Elgar was a stay at home mom, and
brought her children up as Roman Catholics, to the disapproval of his
father. His father also played violin for the church, he made sure that
all the children had a musical upbringing. Edward Elgar started taking
lessons on the violin and piano by age eight. A Fun fact is that his
father would often bring Elgar to the houses where he tuned the
pianos; giving him piano practice time. Throughout his early years he
had a pretty basic education, but was eager to learn more about
music! He worked very hard on obtaining any and every music book he
could find, even taking up German in hopes to be accepted into the
Leipzig Conservatory of Music (Where Bach lived at the end of his life).
Sadly, his family could not afford to pay for his schooling there, but
many experts say this was good for the full development of his music.
He was able to continue his schooling through local music schools and
developed as a violinist!
He served several jobs throughout the world including Paris
to play the organ at the Madeline. He then finally traveled to Leipzig
where he visited Helen Weaver to whom he was engaged to, but for
unknown reasons was called off. He eventually married a woman
named Alice, who was not only his wife, but also true supporter of his
music.
His music was very popular and some of his best work, including
The Snow was produced during the 1888-1900. His works were
performed all over the world and honored by many! One of which was
being knighted at Buckingham Palace July 5th, in 1904. He battled
depression throughout his life, which is present in his pieces, but
ultimately he died do to inoperable cancer. He was said to have
said, that he had no faith in an afterlife: "I believe there is nothing but
complete oblivion."
The Snow
Writing in 1890 while he was in London. His wife, Catherine Alice,
Lady Elgar, wrote the text.
Form

 A, A, B, A (end half of A)
A lot of rippling/imitation
Melody
Soprano Line mainly throughout
o Passes within sections at times
Soprano m16- 25 - reoccurring main theme
Alto 63-63 then Soprano 2 m65- 69
Harmony
Stays in E minor through majority
At letter D it sounds major for just a moment!
A lot of suspensions and dissonance
o M6 = E/G/C-B
Rhythm
Very syncopated
Parts are of in homophonic rhythm
Dynamic
LOTS of contrast
A lot of tense pp
Worth
This is very typical for the time period
Iconic piece
Showcases textual concern
o Detail to confection