Enigma Variations: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 (Study Score)

This tune is what became the theme to one of the greatest works in the orchestral repertoire, VARIATIONS ON AN ORIGINAL THEME or the ENIGMNA VARIATIONS. Elgar called the variations "Enigma," not to be thought of as a riddle so much as a "dark saying [that] must be left unguessed.," though he also hinted that a hidden melody is also embedded within the music. Each of the fourteen variations functions as a musical caricature of a specific friend, starting with his wife Alice ("C.A.E."), and ending with himself ("E.D.U."). The middle variations refer to: II. "H.D.SP." (Hew David Steuart-Powell), III. "R.B.T." (Richard Baxter Townshend), IV. "W.M.B." (William Meath Baker), V. "R.P.A." (Richard Penrose Arnold), VI. "Ysobel" (Isabel Fitton), VII. "Troyte" (Arthur Troyte Griffith), VIII. "W.N." (Winifred Norbury), IX. "Nimrod" (Augustus J. Jaeger), X. "Dorabella" (Dora Penny), XI. "G.R.S." (George Robertson Sinclair), XII. "B.G.N." (Basil George Nevinson), XIII. "***" (possibly Lady Mary Lygon of Madresfield). The work premiered in 1899 at St. James Hall in London, conducted by Hans Richter, and acheived immediate popularity, establishing Elgar's international reputation. Elgar did quickly revise the final variation, adding 96 new bars of music and an organ part, which is how the work is usually performed today. Istrumentation: 2(2dPicc).2.2.2+CBsn: 4.3.3.1: Timp.Perc(1): Org(opt): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set). The conductor's score and parts are available from E. F. Kalmus.