Pomp & Circumstance No. 4
​"The King's Way"​

Sir Edward Elgar

General Information

  • Year of Composition: 1907
  • Difficulty: Grade IV
  • Duration: c. 2:30 (plus extra repeats)
  • Original Medium: Orchestra
  • Form: Processional

Instrumentation

  • Trumpet I-II-III
  • Horn in F I-II-III
  • Trombone I-II-III
  • Euphonium I-II
  • Tuba
  • Percussion I-II
    • Bass Drum
    • Cymbals (crash)
    • Snare Drum

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Program Note

Pomp & Circumstance March No. 4 was composed in 1907, and dedicated to George Robertson Sinclair (whose bulldog is the subject of one of Elgar's variations from Enigma Variations). The trio of the march was later used by Elgar in a song he titled "The King's Way,"  and during World War II, the march became a popular British patriotic song, thanks to being set to lyrics by author Alan P. Herbert. It is often used as recessional music during commencement ceremonies and other major events, and was most recently used in this manner during the coronation of King Charles III.

This version is scored for brass choir with an optional percussion accompaniment, perfect for use by brass ensembles at commencement ceremonies.