Edward Elgar and the Nostalgic Imagination

Nostalgia plays a significant role in understanding Edward Elgar's music and personal life throughout the twentieth century. It influences both the reception of his works and various artistic interpretations of his character. While some view this nostalgia as escapist and symptomatic of a problematic heritage industry in contemporary Britain, Matthew Riley's exploration offers a nuanced perspective. His analysis reveals the complexities of Elgarian nostalgia and highlights the composer's enduring cultural relevance in modern society.