Sir Elgar wrote his Pomp and Circumstance March no. 2 in 1901 and it was dedicated to fellow composer Granville Bantock. This second march is less well known than the first, but not because it is any less of a work. After a loud proclaim for attention by the brass, comes a beautiful stacatto theme, which is gradually built up by the addition of instruments, advancing towards the Trio. The Trio in a major key contains a simple melody in thirds in the winds, which is later developed in the brass. The work closes with a short but strong coda.
