Edward Elgar composed his Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in 1901 as a grand orchestral work, best known for its sweeping trio section later adapted into the patriotic song “Land of Hope and Glory.” It gained iconic status in the United Kingdom as a symbol of national pride and is widely used in the United States as the traditional graduation march. With its bold, regal opening and lyrical central melody, the piece showcases Elgar’s gift for combining martial energy with emotional grandeur. Here it has been arranged for Clarinet Choir by Matt Johnston.

Instrumentation:

• E-Flat Clarinet
• 5 B-Flat Clarinets
• Alto Clarinet/Basset Horn/Clarinet 6
• Bass Clarinet
• Contrabass Clarinet/Contralto Clarinet/String Bass

Percussion (optional):

• Timpani