Sospiri, Op. 70 (Adagio): String Orchestra, Score and Parts

Edward Elgar (1857-1934) composed his adagio for string orchestra, SOSPIRI, OP. 70, just before the onset of World War I. Originally planned to complement his SALUT D’AMOUR for violin and piano, he decided that its intense nature of expression suited it better as a stand-alone work for strings. He dedicated it to his friend, violinist W. H. “Billy” Reed. The first performance took place on August 15, 1914 at the Queen’s Hall in London under the baton of Sir Henry Wood. Instrumentation: Hp(or Pno).Org (Opt.): Str (8-8-5-5-5 in set).