Pomp and Circumstance, Op. 39: No. 1 in D Major

Edward Elgar didn't have commencement ceremonies in mind when he wrote the first installment in his series of "Pomp and Circumstance Military Marches" in 1901, but over a century later the British patriotic anthem is as synonymous with American graduations as the cap and gown. After "March No. 1 in D" was played in the English composer's honor during a Yale visit in 1905, the instrumental about soldiers going off to war soon became a metaphor for students marching onto the battlefield of life. It's generally used to accompany the processional at the beginning of the ceremony.

The title was borrowed from Act III of Shakespeare's Othello: Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife The royal banner, and all quality, Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war!

In the UK, this is better known as "Land Of Hope and Glory." In 1902, lyrics by A.C. Benson were added and the new version closed out Elgar's "Coronation Ode" for King Edward VII: Hearts in hope uplifted, loyal lips that sing; Strong in Faith and Freedom, we have crowned our King! The "Land of Hope and Glory" section was first performed by Clara Butt, a popular English concert singer, at a concert in June 1902.