Edward Elgar was born in Broadheath, near Worcester, England, on June 2, 1857, and died in Worcester on February 23, 1934. The first performance of the Introduction and Allegro took place at Queen’s Hall in London, England, on March 8, 1905, with the composer conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. The Introduction and Allegro is scored for string quartet and string orchestra. Approximate performance is fourteen minutes.

Elgar composed his Introduction and Allegro at the request of the London Symphony Orchestra. The newly-formed ensemble invited the English composer to conduct a program of his works, and to write a new piece for the occasion. 

Elgar’s dear friend August Jaeger (the inspiration for Nimrod in the 1899 “Enigma” Variations) suggested: “Why not a brilliant quick String Scherzo, or something for those fine strings only? a real bring down the house torrent of a thing such as Bach could write…” Elgar responded: “I’m doing that string thing…no working-out part but a devil of a fugue instead.” Elgar scored his Introduction and Allegro for string quartet and string orchestra, a nod to the Baroque concerto grosso, and its juxtaposition of a small group of instruments (concertino) with the main body of the orchestra (ripieno). Elgar completed the work in February of 1905, and led its first performance at London’s Queens Hall on March 8.

In program notes for the premiere, Elgar described the origin of a featured melody: "…in Cardiganshire (Wales), I thought of writing a brilliant piece for string orchestra. On the cliff, between the blue sea and blue sky, thinking out my theme, there came up to me the sound of singing. The songs were too far away to reach me distinctly, but one point common to all was impressed upon me, and let me to think, perhaps wrongly, that it was a real Welsh idiom."

The lack of adequate rehearsal for the premiere of the Introduction and Allegro led to a subpar performance and lukewarm reception. But in time, the composition established itself as one of the exemplary works for string orchestra.

The extended Introduction (Moderato) begins with a fortissimo statement by the quartet and orchestra. Later, the quartet’s viola sings the “Welsh” melody. The orchestra first violins launch the ensuing Allegro. Following the introduction of the principal thematic material, Elgar (as he explained to Jaeger) replaces its expected development (“working-out”) with a brilliant contrapuntal episode. A restatement of the themes leads to the final coda, including a grand proclamation of the Welsh melody.