Tag Archives: Elgar

Arachnophonia: Elgar’s Cello Concerto, op. 85

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Brianna (class of 2023) and features English composer Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto (1919). Thanks, Brianna!

Cello Concerto, Op. 85
Edward Elgar

Elgar

British composer Edward Elgar (1857-1934)

The Elgar Cello Concerto is one of the most famous and recognized concertos written for solo cello. Composed by Edward Elgar in the aftermath of World War I, this concerto first debuted in 1919 (the same year in which it was written).

The work did not become a cornerstone of solo cello repertoire until a recording by Jacqueline Du Pré caught the attention of the public. Her recording was so captivating that Rostropovich is said to have removed it from his own repertoire after hearing her play.

This piece is one of my favorite cello concertos, and while I also believe that no one can play this better than Du Pré, I greatly enjoyed my time learning from this piece. It is absolutely a work that every solo cellist should play at least once in their career!

Arachnophonia: Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations”

Posted on by

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item(s) in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Eli (class of 2024) and features Elgar’s Enigma Variations. Thanks, Eli!

Edward Elgar

Enigma Variations

Sir Edward Elgar 1857-1934

Sir Edward Elgar 1857-1934

Edward Elgar, a classical English composer who gained prominence around the turn of the 20th century, is perhaps best known for his Pomp and Circumstance Marches, a key part of any graduation ceremony today.

Yet his most intriguing work is undoubtedly Variations on an Original Theme, better known as the Enigma Variations. These fourteen variations are each dedicated to important people in Elgar’s life, including his wife and his students. Each variation shares similar phrases, but the attitude and voices vary widely. Significant moments in Elgar’s relationship with these people are written into the variations, as well as their key personality traits.

The “Nimrod” variation, dedicated to his mentor Augustus J. Jaeger, is widely considered one of Elgar’s finest works and is frequently reproduced. Most notably, it was played at Princess Diana’s funeral and at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

The “enigma” within these variations has yet to be solved, but is believed to be a secret melody hidden across the variations. I highly encourage listening to these variations as it is one of my favorite orchestral works. You can read more about the Enigma Variations by checking out Julian Rushton’s book Elgar, ‘Enigma’ Variations or you can listen to both Pomp and Circumstance and the Enigma Variations on CD.