Elgar Enigma variations, Op. 36

Edward Elgar composed his Variations on an Original Theme for Orchestra ("Enigma"), Op. 36, commonly referred to as the Enigma Variations, in 1898–99. It is a set of fourteen variations on a hidden "theme" that is, in Elgar's words, "not played". It is Elgar's best-known large-scale composition, for both the music itself and the enigma 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. The people portrayed in the variations include Elgar's wife Alice, Augustus J. Jaeger and Elgar himself. The enigma is the hidden theme, which has been the subject of much speculation. Various musicians have proposed theories for what melody it could be, although Elgar did not say that that his "theme" was a melody. The enigma could be something else, such as a symbol or a literary theme. Elgar accepted none of the solutions proposed in his lifetime, and took the secret with him to the grave. After its 1899 London premiere, the piece achieved popularity and was performed internationally. It has been recorded over 60 times.

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Recordings

Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Theme (Andante)
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation I (L'istesso tempo) C.A.E.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation III (Allegretto) R.B.T.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation IV (Allegro di molto) W.M.B.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation V (Moderato) R.P.A.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation VII (Presto) Troyte
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation VIII (Allegretto) W.N.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation IX (Adagio) Nimrod
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation XI (Allegro di molto) G.R.S.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation XIV (Finale. Allegro Presto) E.D.U.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation II: "H.D.S-P." (Allegro)
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation III (Allegretto) R.B.T.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation IV (Allegro di molto) W.M.B.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Theme (Andante)
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation I (L'istesso tempo) C.A.E.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation VI: "Ysobel" (Andantino)
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation V (Moderato) R.P.A.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation VII (Presto) Troyte
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation X: "Dorabella" (Intermezzo: Allegretto)
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation XI (Allegro di molto) G.R.S.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation IX (Adagio) Nimrod
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation XIII: "* * *" (Romanza: Moderato)
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - XII-BGN-andante
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation XIV (Finale. Allegro Presto) E.D.U.
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Enigma variations, Op. 36 - Variation IX (Adagio) Nimrod
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