Cracking the Enigma
Donald Macleod focuses on two works by Elgar: the Enigma Variations and The Dream of Gerontius.
Celebrating British Music: Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the 'quintessentially English' composer, Edward Elgar, whose musical roots lay firmly in Europe, and whose Catholicism and class background bequeathed him a lifelong sense of isolation from mainstream British society.
Today's programme focuses on two works: the Enigma Variations and The Dream of Gerontius. The former grew out of Elgar's musical doodlings at the piano after a hard day's teaching; the latter from his childhood faith, which was soon to suffer a serious knockback. The Variations were a huge success from the outset, while The Dream had to rebuild its reputation after a disastrous first performance.
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Music Played
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Edward Elgar
Sea Pictures Op. 37 No. 2 'In Haven'
Performer: Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano) Performer: London Symphony Orchestra Performer: John Barbirolli (conductor)
- EMI 7 47329 2.
- 6.
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Edward Elgar
Variations on an Original Theme 'Enigma' Op. 36
Performer: London Symphony Orchestra Performer: Adrian Boult (conductor)
- EMI 6 23077 2.
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Edward Elgar
Variations on an Original Theme 'Enigma' - original finale
Performer: Hallé Orchestra Performer: Mark Elder (conductor)
- CD HLL 7501.
- 21.
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Edward Elgar
The Dream of Gerontius Op. 38 - extract from Part 2 'There was a mortal'
Performer: Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano – The Angel) Performer: Richard Lewis (tenor – Gerontius) Performer: Hallé Choir Performer: Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus Performer: Ambrosian Singers Performer: Hallé Orchestra Performer: John Barbirolli (conductor)
- EMI 7 63185 2.
- 8.
Broadcasts
- Tue 18 Jun 201312:00BBC Radio 3
- Tue 18 Jun 201318:30BBC Radio 3
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