Elgar - Enigma Variations, Op. 36 (4/-)

Edward William Elgar (1857-1934)

Movs. VIII and IX 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 VIII: Troyte (Presto)
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Arthur Troyte Griffiths, an architect. The variation good-naturedly mimics his enthusiastic incompetence on the piano.

Movement IX: W.N. (Allegretto)
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Winifred Norbury, a friend Elgar regarded as particularly easygoing, hence the relatively relaxed atmosphere. At the end of this variation, a single violin note is held over into the next variation, the most celebrated of the set.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Enigma
• Variations
• Edward
• Elgar
• Op.36
• Troyte
• Presto
• WN
• Allegretto

[LiamNimrod]

Actually, Troyte is Variation VII not VIII. Variation VIII is Winifred Norbury (W.N.) and IX is Nimrod.



[The30YearOldVirgin]

@LiamNimrod

There is a difference between movement and variation. This is, indeed, not only variation VII but also movement VIII, because the main theme also counts as a movement.

Engima Variations has a total 15 movements and 14 variations. I'm counting only movements here, not variations.

[LiamNimrod]

@The30YearOldVirgin

Fair enough. However seeing as Elgar left the title of the Theme as "Variations on an Origional Theme" and begins C.A.E as I. You're movement labeling system quite easily causes confusion. Theme and Variations have NEVER been listed in movements, but variation numbers. Nevermind, I'm sure I'm being a bit picky. Other than the confusion, thanks for putting these pieces up,

[The30YearOldVirgin]

@LiamNimrod

Picky? Not at all, I do appreciate your polite and constructive criticism. Also, I must confess that I have struggled with that very same dilemma when I posted the first video. My problem was that Enigma Variations has 15 parts but only 14 are variations on the original theme.

My system does cause confusion, I should have created a numbering system in which both movements and variation numbers were specified, e.g. Movement VIII, Variation VII: Troyte (Presto).

Thanks for commenting

[jeroendijkmans]

I like the brasses!

[LiamNimrod]

@The30YearOldVirgin

Yeah. It's all good, as long as these amazing pieces are on YT I'm happy. I'm attempting to introduce one of my friends to Elgar, and ofcourse you uploads were a great help =]. I like your music taste, sub'd.

Thanks.

[tony160441]

Thank you thank you thank you for all your constructions!!! I only discovered you two days ago and so am still on a voyage of wonder!! Your musical tastes are impeccable, but your inventive image collations are pure mastery. One vital question - where is the image of the spiral clock from??? PLEASE?

Tony

[hanahono3333]

Wonderful!