Enigma Variations

In 1898, as the new century approached Edward Elgar was 41, a composer of some repute but struggling for recognition. One evening he improvised variations upon a whimsical theme to his wife, Alice, inpsired by characteristics of his friends. It grew from something “commenced in a spirit of humour and continued in deep seriousness” into something more substantial. It is believed that Elgar hid another melody within his theme, but despite many theo...