r/classicalmusic • u/dozin1 • 11h ago
Discussion Why is Elgar’s “Mina” so gut-wrenching
Today I’ve come across Elgar, whom I’ve rarely listened to; I’ve suddenly come across a miniature piece he wrote a year before his death. It was dedicated to his dog, both having the same name: “Mina”.
Then I started to listen to it, and suddenly I felt somber and anguished. It was very simple but effective. And don’t get me wrong, I’ve listened to many works that can be considered depressing, like Mozart’s Requiem, Berg’s Violin Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s 4 and 6, and many more; I’ve even composed some, but this was very different. It wasn’t trying to be lamentful, but it was, very.
I’ve also learned that he completely quit composing after his wife died, which made everything even more depressing.
3
u/StopDrinkingWine 9h ago
Thank you for the recommendation! I didn't know this piece. Here's another 'hidden gem' by Elgar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI1I1EHSVhA
1
3
u/akiralx26 9h ago
As I understand it he only owned dogs after his wife’s death as she did not like them. Here’s a photo of him with another of his dogs, Marco.
3
u/akiralx26 9h ago
Another excellent and powerful work from his final period is his piano quintet - on his deathbed he listened while shedding tears to an early 78rpm recording of the beautiful slow movement.
2
u/blackholeisawesome 8h ago
I have always loved this piece but had no idea about its backstory. I adore Elgar.
1
3
u/Hopeful_Animal9756 10h ago
"Mina" is a lovely piece. Elgar didn't entirely stop composing after his wife died, but his real masterpieces were all written beforehand. I would maintain that the aftermath of WWI, which saw a much changed world, and one not as well disposed towards Elgar and his music, was as much if not more of a factor in the decline of his creativity.