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Friends and Enigmas

Composer of the WeekEdward Elgar (1857-1934)
Episode 4 of 5

Donald Macleod decodes Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

Edward Elgar was a man of many passions, from cycling to chemistry. This week, Donald Macleod explores five of the composer’s greatest loves. Elgar held a lifelong fascination with puzzles and would often dedicate his music to dear friends through coded notations.

In today’s programme, Donald decodes Elgar’s Enigma Variations, and meets the friends hidden in his score.

Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Theme (Andante)
Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Mark Elder

Enigma Variations, Op. 36: 1. C.A.E.; 2. H.D.S.-P.; 3. R.B.T.; 4. W.M.B.
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Martyn Brabbins

Enigma Variations, Op. 36: 5. R.P.A.; 6. Ysobel; 7. Troyte; 8. W.N.; 9. Nimrod
Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Mark Elder

Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61: II. Andante
Vilde Frang, violin
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester, conducted by Berlin Robin Ticciati

Carissima
Vilde Frang, violin
Thomas Hoppe, piano

Enigma Variations, Op. 36: 10. Dorabella; 11. G.R.S.; 12. B.G.N.; 13. Romanza ***; 14. E.D.U.
London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult

Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West

59 minutes

Last on

Thu 8 May 202516:00
BBC Radio 3

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God Against ArtEdward Elgar (1857-1934)

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Wobbling OnEdward Elgar (1857-1934)

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Music Played

  • Edward Elgar

    Enigma Variations (Theme)

    Composer: Edward Elgar. Conductor: Sir Mark Elder. Conductor: Sir Mark Elder. Orchestra: Hallé. Orchestra: Hallé.
    • HALLE : CDHLL-7501.
    • HALLE.
    • 1.

  • Edward Elgar

    Enigma Variations (CAE; HDSP; RBT; WMB)

    Orchestra: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Martyn Brabbins.
    • Hyperion : CDA68101.
    • Hyperion.
    • 3.

  • Edward Elgar

    Enigma Variations (RPA; Ysobel; Troyte; WN; Nimrod)

    Orchestra: Hallé. Conductor: Mark Elder.
    • HALLE : CDHLL-7501.
    • HALLE.
    • 6.

  • Edward Elgar

    Violin Concerto in B minor, Op 61 (2nd mvt)

    Performer: Vilde Frang. Orchestra: German Symphony Orchestra Berlin. Conductor: Robin Ticciati.
    • WARNER CLASSICS : 2173240942.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 2.

  • Edward Elgar

    Carissima

    Performer: Vilde Frang. Performer: Thomas Hoppe.
    • WARNER CLASSICS : 2173240942.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 4.

  • Edward Elgar

    Enigma Variations (Dorabella; GRS; BGN; ***; EDU)

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Adrian Boult.
    • WARNER CLASSICS : 6230772.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 11.

Broadcast

  • Thu 8 May 202516:00
    BBC Radio 3

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