Edward Elgar died on February 23, 1934, as a result of colon cancer complications. He is recognized as one of the finest English composers of all time in English history. Many of his compositions are part of the international classical music repertory. He was born on April 20, 1857, in London, the only child of Charles Elgar and Louisa Elgar (née Broadwood). His father was a well-to-do brewer who owned the famous Blackheath Proprietary brewery, and his mother was from a wealthy family of piano makers. When Edward was nine years old, his family moved to Worcester where his father had an opportunity to work with John Hill Billson, the principal organ builder at that time. This experience would help Edward develop a love for music that he never lost throughout his life. As a young man, he wanted to become an artist so he could travel around Europe looking at architecture and music. But his father wanted him to go into business so he sent Edward to Cambridge University to study mathematics. While there, he also started taking piano lessons from a professor who encouraged him to pursue a career in music. After graduating in 1880, he went to Paris where he planned to live for several years to improve his art skills. However, due to illness, he was unable to leave France until 1884 when he traveled back to England.