Yale takes credit for starting a commencement tradition when it gave this composer an honorary doctorate in 1905

The Final Jeopardy category for February 21, 2025, was “Composers,” and the clue read: “Yale takes credit for starting a commencement tradition when it gave this composer an honorary doctorate in 1905.”

Who is Edward Elgar?

Sir Edward Elgar, the renowned English composer, received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Yale University in 1905. This event is often cited as the origin of a commencement tradition in the United States. When Elgar attended the ceremony, his Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 was played, a piece that had gained widespread popularity after its premiere in 1901. Its triumphant and stately melody made it a fitting selection for the occasion, and from that point on, it became closely associated with graduation ceremonies in the U.S.

Although the march had originally been composed as part of a larger set, it was its use at Yale that cemented its role in academic ceremonies. Over time, Pomp and Circumstance became a staple at high school and college graduations across the country, marking a significant legacy beyond Elgar’s contributions to classical music.

The Rise of Pomp and Circumstance as a Graduation Standard

The section of Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 most widely recognized today is often referred to as “The Graduation March.” After its performance at Yale’s commencement, other universities began adopting it for their own graduation ceremonies. Princeton followed in 1907, and the University of Chicago incorporated it in 1920. By the mid-20th century, it had become the traditional recessional or processional piece for students graduating in the United States.

Elgar himself did not originally conceive the march for academic ceremonies. The piece was part of a series of marches inspired by Shakespeare’s Othello, and its original lyrics, set to the words “Land of Hope and Glory,” became an unofficial anthem in Britain. Despite this, the march’s association with academia in the U.S. remained strong, with its uplifting and ceremonial feel making it an ideal choice for graduation processions.

Elgar’s Influence and His Place in Music History

Edward Elgar (1857–1934) was one of Britain’s most celebrated composers, known for his richly expressive orchestral works. In addition to Pomp and Circumstance, his most famous compositions include the Enigma Variations and the Cello Concerto in E Minor, both of which remain staples of the classical music repertoire. His music was deeply rooted in the late Romantic tradition, and he was among the first English composers in centuries to gain widespread international recognition.

Elgar’s impact extended beyond his compositions. He was knighted in 1904 and later made a baronet, reflecting his status in British musical life. In 1924, he was appointed Master of the King’s Music, a role that further solidified his influence. His works continue to be performed and studied worldwide, with Pomp and Circumstance remaining one of his most enduring legacies.

A Lasting Connection to Commencement Ceremonies

While many classical compositions fade into history, Pomp and Circumstance has remained a significant part of American academic culture for more than a century. It is played at thousands of graduation ceremonies each year, from elementary schools to prestigious universities. This tradition traces its roots back to 1905, when Yale honored Elgar and introduced his music to an entirely new context.

For graduates, the melody represents both an ending and a beginning, signifying the completion of one chapter and the start of another. Though Elgar’s intent may have been different when he composed the march, its adaptation for academic settings has made it one of the most recognizable and frequently performed classical pieces in modern times.