Edward Elgar
Three Part-Songs, Op. 18
1. "O Happy Eyes"
2. "Love"
3. "My Love Dwelt In a Northern Land"
While we might know English composer Edward Elgar best in this country for "Pomp and Circumstance" at graduation ceremonies, writing part-songs (choral pieces) occupied Elgar (1857-1934) throughout his entire career. The three songs that comprise this group have cozy and intimate, domestic texts. "O, Happy Eyes" is set by Elgar to a poem written by his wife Alice a year after they were married, and a companion piece, "Love" was added to the group many years later, when the composer was in his fifties. "My Love Dwelt In a Northern Land" completes the set, with its unmistakable "Elgarian" melody...expressive, sincere and romantic.