description Elgar - Enigma Variations, Op. 36 Overview
Edward Elgar composed the "Enigma Variations" in 1899, an orchestral work of 14 variations musically depicting his close friends that earned him international fame.
help Elgar - Enigma Variations, Op. 36 FAQ
Who are the Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar based on?
The 14 variations are musical portraits of Edward Elgar's closest friends and his wife, Alice. Each variation is titled with the initials or a nickname of the person it depicts, such as 'Nimrod.'
What is the 'Enigma' in Elgar's Enigma Variations?
The enigma refers to a hidden, overarching theme that Elgar claimed runs throughout the entire piece but is never explicitly played. Another enigma is the exact identity of the famous tune that the variations are supposedly based on, which remains one of music's greatest mysteries.
Which movement of the Enigma Variations is the most famous?
The ninth variation, titled 'Nimrod,' is by far the most famous movement. It depicts Elgar's publisher and close friend August Jaeger, and is frequently performed at solemn national events in the UK.
When did Elgar compose the Enigma Variations?
Elgar composed the work in 1898 and 1899 at his home in Worcestershire. Its premiere immediately propelled him from a relatively unknown regional musician to international fame.
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