Edward Elgar - Variations on an Original Theme Op. 36 - Enigma

Variations on an Original Theme for orchestra ("Enigma"), Op. 36, commonly referred to as the Enigma Variations, is a set of a theme and its fourteen variations written for orchestra by Edward Elgar in 1898--1899. It is Elgar's best-known large-scale composition, for both the music itself and the enigmas behind it. Elgar dedicated the piece to "my friends pictured within", each variation being an affectionate portrayal of one of his circle of close acquaintances.

The work consists of the theme, followed by 14 variations. The variations spring from the theme's melodic, harmonic and (especially) rhythmic elements, and the extended fourteenth variation forms a grand finale. Elgar dedicated the piece to "my friends pictured within" and in the score each variation is prefaced with either a nickname or initials, a clue to the identity of the friend depicted. As was common with painted portraits of the time, Elgar's musical portraits depict their subjects at two levels. Each movement conveys a general impression of its subject's personality; in addition, most of them contain a musical reference to a specific characteristic or event, such as Dorabella's stutter, Winifred Norbury's laugh, or the walk in the woods with Jaeger. The sections of the piece are as follows:

Theme (Andante) 0:00
Variation I (L'istesso tempo) "C.A.E." 1:26
Variation II (Allegro) "H.D.S.-P." 3:06
Variation III (Allegretto) "R.B.T." 3:51
Variation IV (Allegro di molto) "W.M.B." 5:13
Variation V (Moderato) "R.P.A." 5:42
Variation VI (Andantino) "Ysobel" 7:38
Variation VII (Presto) "Troyte" 8:54
Variation VIII (Allegretto) "W.N." 9:52
Variation IX (Adagio) "Nimrod" 11:45
Variation X (Intermezzo: Allegretto) "Dorabella" 15:11
Variation XI (Allegro di molto) "G.R.S." 17:45
Variation XII (Andante) "B.G.N." 18:46
Variation XIII (Romanza: Moderato) 21:22
Variation XIV (Finale: Allegro Presto) "E.D.U." 23:53

Conductor: George Hurst
Orchestra: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

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[totalwombatfan]

This is such an incredible piece... especially the Nimrod! Just gorgeous! Thank you so much for uploading this outstanding performance!!

[hudiepower]

14:00!!!!! thumbs up

[watcherthatboxer]

This whole time, the melody from Clubbed to Death was a sample.

I had no idea...

[windstorm1000]

don't you think its easier to think that its just the thirteenth variation? that would be much easier

[Robert Padgett]

Variation XIII is not secretly dedicated to a Lady, but rather the Lord and Savior of Elgar's Roman Catholic faith whose initials are openly concealed by the Roman numerals. X stands for ten. The 10th letter in the alphabet is J. III represents three. The 3rd letter is C. Therefore, the Roman numerals XIII stand for JC as in Jesus Christ. A thorough explanation of this remarkable discovery is given at enigmathemeunmasked.blogspot.c­om/2010/11/variation-xiii-and-­elgars-hidden-friend.html

[windstorm1000]

variation viii was of Lady Lygon--a personal friend. Perhaps Elgar did not feel comfortable listing (in his lifetime) a lady friendship as people might have talked--who knows? In any case its a moving portrait and tells something about their friendship--perhaps Elgar could share things with her he could not with his wife--its possible--the intimacy of the music suggests something similar.

[mtv565]

The enigma is about a melody that is not played but will play in harmony throughout the theme and variations.

[eugkra33]

WTF? I didn't know that "Clubbed to Death" came from this.

[vexationo]

Rob D.  Clubbed to Death