Elgar's Enigma Variations

Classical Music / Orchestral

Sir Edward Elgar's orchestral Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, popularly known as the Enigma Variations is composed between October 1898 and February 1899. The work comprises fourteen variations on an original theme. 'Nimrod' is the name given to the ninth and best-known variation in Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations. The composer dedicated the work "to my friends pictured within", each variation being a musical sketch of one of 14 members of Elgar's family and his circle of close acquaintances. The ones portrayed include Elgar's wife Alice, his friend and publisher Augustus J. Jaeger.

In naming his theme "Enigma" Edward Elgar posed a challenge which has generated much speculation but has never been conclusively answered. The Enigma is widely believed to involve a hidden melody.  After its 1899 London premiere the Variations achieved immediate popularity and established his international reputation. The work has been recorded over numerous times.



One among my personal favourites of Elgar's Enigma Variations is this performance. It forms a historic account of the first concert Sir Georg Solti conducted as Chief conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) in 1975. It is also the first DVD release with Solti performing Elgar's Symphony No.2. Solti, who prepared new works by listening to Elgar's own recordings, identified closely with his music. The virtuoso playing of the orchestra combined with his fresh, energetic approach make for an exciting, uplifting experience.  

 

Suggested Reading: 

 

Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’ voted greatest piece of British classical music in Classic FM’s Great British Classics. ClassicFM.com. Article written by Maddy Shaw Roberts. Accessed May 13, 2023.

 

The Story Behind Elgar's Enigma Variations. Classic FM.  Accessed June 19, 2017.

 

Suggested Listening:

 

Vocal: This vocal arrangement of Elgar’s Nimrod is an utterly sublime moment of music. Listen to the British ensemble VOCES8, perform ‘Lux Aeterna’, arranged by John Cameron for Elgar's Nimrod. www.classicfm.com. Article written by Maddy Shaw Roberts.  Here's another vocal arrangement of Elgar's Nimrod performed by the Australian Chamber Choir. Arranged by Elizabeth Anderson, directed by Douglas Lawrence. (June 2018).  YouTube, accessed June 19, 2023.

 
Orchestral: Elgar's "Nimrod" from Enigma. Uploaded by medpiano.  Accessed July 28, 2017. Daniel Barenboim with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, opening the 1997 season at Carnegie Hall in this gorgeously performed dedication to the recently deceased Sir Georg Solti, the previous music director of the CSO for many years.

 

Dedicated to the memory of beloved Queen Elizabeth II, revered sovereign and epitome of duty, who reigned with such grace (“Nimrod” by Sir Edward Elgar).  (YouTube, uploaded by The English Symphony Orchestra. Accessed September 9, 2022.)

 

Trivia:

When Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's death was announced, the Proms – then in its final week – was cancelled immediately, despite much of the audience for the evening concert already in attendance. In lieu of the planned programme, the Philadelphia Orchestra played the national anthem and Elgar's Nimrod. Oct 3,  2022.

 

 

Video Credit: 

 

Sir Georg Solti - Elgar: Enigma Variation IX 'Nimrod'.  YouTube, uploaded by ICAClassics. Accessed June 19, 2016.   


Resource: 

Enigma Variations. en.wikipedia.org. Accessed June 19, 2016.


(c) June 2010.  Updated June 19, 2023.  Tel.  Inspired Pen Web. All rights reserved.