The Variations, Elgar’s best known large-scale composition, is a portrait gallery of Elgar’s friends, wife (and even his dog!) with the last variation being a portrait of the composer himself. Elgar who loved puns, secret codes and crossword puzzles, hinted that there was another hidden theme to the piece which was a variation of a famous tune. Since then, people have tried to solve the enigma claiming the hidden theme was in turn the British national anthem, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, and ‘Rule Britannia’ among many other pieces.
What is a variation?
A variation is varied version of a given tune or theme.
About the composer
Edward Elgar (1857 - 1934) was an English composer and conductor famous for his orchestral works notably Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 (‘Land of Hope and Glory’) and The Enigma Variations. He also wrote two symphonies; choral works including The Dream of Gerontius and Sea Pictures; chamber music as well as The Violin Concerto and The Cello Concerto. Read more
Cello Concerto In E Minor
Download Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor
Froissart (Overture)
Download Elgar's Froissart Overture
Serenade for Strings
Download or get the CD of Elgar's Serenade for Strings
