Knowra Enigma Variations Enigma Variations The Enigma Variations are a set of fourteen orchestral variations by Edward Elgar, composed in 1898–1899. Their movements portray Elgar, his wife, and several friends.
Theme and Variations : A musical form in which a theme is followed by altered versions that preserve recognizable features. Elgar builds the work by transforming one theme across fourteen orchestral variations.
Variation theme : A musical idea that serves as the basis for a sequence of transformed passages. Elgar’s opening theme supplies the material that connects the individual portraits.
Caroline Alice Elgar : An English author and Edward Elgar’s wife, known as Alice Elgar. The opening variation portrays Alice, whose encouragement helped inspire the work.
Variation I: C.A.E. : The first variation of Elgar’s Enigma Variations, dedicated to his wife, Caroline Alice Elgar. Its opening transforms the theme into a portrait of Alice.
The Enigma of the Enigma Variations : The unresolved puzzle concerning the hidden theme or message behind Elgar’s Enigma Variations. Elgar suggested an underlying tune but never identified it, leaving the work’s title unexplained.
Orchestration : The practice of assigning musical parts to instruments and combining their timbres. Distinctive instrumental colors help make each variation a separate musical portrait.
Musical motif : A short, distinctive musical idea that can recur and develop within a composition. Small rhythmic and melodic gestures help give the variations their individual identities.
Augustus J. Jaeger : A German-born English music publisher who became a close friend and adviser to Edward Elgar. Elgar portrayed Jaeger in Nimrod, named for Jaeger’s surname meaning hunter.
Variation IV: W.M.B. : The fourth variation of Elgar’s Enigma Variations, associated with William Meath Baker. Its brisk, forceful character sketches Baker preparing a social gathering.
Auld Lang Syne : A Scottish song traditionally sung at New Year and other farewells. One proposed hidden theme is a counterpoint to this familiar melody, but the theory remains unproven.
Show all 25