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Elgar: Enigma Variations

Stephen Johnson explores Elgar's Enigma Variations, a series of 13 musical sketches of the composer's friends which concludes with a representation of the composer himself.

Stephen Johnson explores Elgar's "Enigma Variations", a series of 13 musical sketches of the composer's friends which concludes with a representation of Elgar himself. The theme of the variations was spotted by his wife, as an exhausted Elgar strummed on the piano to relax after a long day teaching violin. When it was completed, this impromptu session turned into Elgar's most ambitious orchestral work to date, which, after it was first performed in London on 19th June 1899, went on to secure his reputation as a composer of international standing.

Available now

20 minutes

Last on

Wed 5 Dec 2012 20:15

Music Played

  • Edward Elgar

    5 Improvisations for piano [transcribed from recordings made by the composer 06Nov29]

    Performer: Edward ELGAR - Piano

    • EMI.
    • CDS 7-543468 2.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    The Music makers Op.69

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: 成人快手 S O. Performer: 成人快手 Symphony Chorus

    • TELDEC.
    • 4509-92374-2.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.
  • Edward Elgar

    Variations on an original theme ('Enigma') Op.36 for orchestra

    Conductor: Andrew DAVIS Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • MDK-44788.

Broadcast

  • Wed 5 Dec 2012 20:15

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