Which composer wrote 'Pomp and Circumstance'?

Edward Elgar wrote the “Pomp and Circumstance” marches. They are a series of orchestral marches, best known for March No. 1, whose broad central melody is commonly heard at graduation ceremonies in the United States.

Elgar composed the first two marches in 1901, and the first was premiered in Liverpool on October 19 of that year. The series eventually included five marches completed by Elgar between 1901 and 1930. A sixth was reconstructed from Elgar’s sketches by Anthony Payne and published in 2006, so references may describe the set as five original marches or six performed versions.

The title comes from Shakespeare’s “Othello,” while the trio of March No. 1 later became associated with the patriotic song “Land of Hope and Glory.” That vocal version was created for Elgar’s 1902 “Coronation Ode,” with words by A. C. Benson. The music is not simply a military march collection: Elgar conceived the pieces as elaborate concert works, and their ceremonial associations developed through later performances, including graduations and the Last Night of the Proms.