Father and Son

Elgar: Portrait of a Composer

For its 100th programme, a film biography written and directed by Ken Russell. Commentary by Huw Wheldon. Behind the public image of pomp and circumstance lies the extraordinary story of the piano-tuner's son from Worcester who, unknown and unsung until he was past forty, became the authentic voice of Edwardian England — "He has reached the hearts of the people" — yet remained through all his public triumphs and private pains an enigmatic, powerful, and mysterious figure.