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!
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.
