Elgar - Enigma Variations, Op. 36 (1/-)

Edgar William Elgar (1857 - 1934)

Movs. I & II from "Enigma Variations", Op. 36

Variations on an Original Theme for orchestra, Op. 36 ("Enigma"), 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--99. 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.

Movement I: Theme (Andante)
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The theme consists of two contrasting melodic fragments, with the first one being the main theme. The main theme is played by the first violins at the beginning. It is played for a second time, with a slightly different accompaniment, after the second melody has been introduced by the woodwinds. Both fragments are further developed in the following variations. The theme leads into Variation 1 without a pause.

Movement II: C.A.E (L'istesso tempo)
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Caroline Alice Elgar, Edward's wife. The variation contains repetitions of a four-note melodic fragment which Elgar reportedly whistled whenever arriving home to his wife; with a little imagination, something like "Dar-ling, I'm home"...

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Edward
• William
• Elgar
• Enigma
• Variation
• Theme
• CAE
• Romantic

[bradders66]

hey 30, great video, how about we meet up and discuss it further? It could end your 30 year drought? xx

[The30YearOldVirgin]

LOL!... I'm afraid I'm a dude, bro!

But still, thanks for commenting!

[sbatou87]

I think parts of this movement was used in The Matrix song "Clubbed to Death."

Listen. You'll hear it.

[saturnGEEK]

Where did you get the images from 0:25 , 1:21 , 2:01 and 2:11 ??

[lucybomboosie1]

I adore this piece of music, it gets into my soul. Beautiful.

[rossothecrimson7]

Great classic pieces can also be apart of an epic theme song!!

[rayray66]

good song for playing doom 3 to

[ConquestWorld]

Una de las obras más bellas que he oído jamás.

[45step54]

@sbatou87 Yes, I hear it. It seems to be enigma's Main theme. Nice job pointing that out!

[00Noontide]

Rob Dougan´s Clubbed to Death brought me here. (@ 0:59 )

[hellerrant]

@sbatou87 you are absolutely right, I noticed the same today in a class and came home to get out of my doubt.

[slapmaster5001]

@sbatou87 yes you are right. clubbed to death uses this song as a basis