Book excerpt: This 35-minute work is sometimes thought of as Elgar's answer to his contemporary Richard Strauss' tone poem "Ein Heldenleben." It was given its premiere at the Birmingham Music Festival on Oct. 1, 1912 with the composer at the podium. Elgar quotes extensively from his own previous works throughout. This new vocal score is an unabridged digitally-enhanced reprint of the one issued by Novello & Co., Ltd. in 1912, enlarged to a more readable A4 size. A welcome addition for Elgar enthusiasts, alto soloists, choruses, and pianists. Matching full score and orchestra parts also available from Serenissima Music.