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Variations on an original theme Op. 36, "Enigma"
The Enigma variations are the ones that made Elgar a famous
international figure, and a recognized talented composer. Most of the attention
was paid to the riddle (enigma) in them and the claims sound from time
to time about the theme on which the variations are based. From Mozart's
"Prague" Symphony to Chopin tunes or folk songs - theories of
solving the enigma are still unproven. Some argued friendship is also the
variations' theme (since they are dedicated to Elgar's friends), and there
were many other attempts. But the enigma remains unresolved. Clearly, however,
Elgar has accomplished the attention he wanted for his remarkable piece,
and perhaps this is the true solution.
Every variation, as said above, is dedicated to
one of Elgar's friends:
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1
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Elgar's beloved wife
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2
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A pianist who used to play with Elgar in a chamber music
trio, presented in a parody-like fashion.
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3
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Elgar's friend, who had a low-pitch voice, represented
here by the bassoon
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4
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The lord of the mansion calling his guests to their places
and closes the door
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5
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The son of a poet making smart comments, manifests moods
swings
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6
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An amateur woman viola player, striving to master the...
viola
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7
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A piano student whose teacher tries to put some order
into his playing
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8
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A gracious, light-minded lady
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9
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The variation "Nimrod" is the most famous one
of them all, dedicated to his best friend; it serves as a serious, mourning
tune for England's events related to casualties.
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10
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The gentle, calm, tune "dorabella" - for Dora,
a close friend of the Elgars
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11
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The church organist or his dog, swimming against the
stream in the river in which he fell.
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12
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The cellist from Elgar's chamber music trio, the same
trio to which the pianist from variation 2 belongs.
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13
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A lady friend with whom Elgar became acquainted on a
cruise boat, and he quotes from Mendelssohn's "Calm Sea and Prosperous
Voyage".
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14
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The variation in which the composer describes himself
- fighting and triumphing, winning the fame he deserves.
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