Elgar: Enigma Variations

Edward Elgar's masterly Enigma Variations are undoubtedly his most famous work of and is also the first major piece he composed. The Enigma Variations brought him international recognition and brought England back on the musical map. Elgar composed the variations in 1899. In the 13 variations and finale the composer characterizes some of his friends, identified only by their initials - so to the public, this was initially a mystery, an "enigma" as to who it was. But Elgar also spoke about a “well-known tune” which he hid in his composition, which to this date has gone undiscovered – so indeed, there is a second “enigma” as well.