Free Republic

Discover the unsolved mystery behind Elgar’s ‘Enigma Variations’ which established his international reputation.It was Elgar’s Enigma Variations (or Variations On An Original Theme to use its original title) that catapulted Elgar to international renown. And it came relatively late in life, when the composer was in his early forties. Elgar composed his Enigma Variations between October 1898 and February 1899 and the work premiered in London on 19 June 1899. Why ‘Enigma’? Because Elgar was secretive about the work’s theme. And the theme was not a straightforward theme in itself. Listening to it you hear syncopations which almost seem to...

Special performances are taking place to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain's greatest composers, Sir Edward Elgar. Elgar, who was born near Worcester, is famous for a string of symphonies and concertos, with Land of Hope and Glory being among his best-known scores. Julian Lloyd Webber is performing his Cello Concerto at Worcester Cathedral and later at the Royal Albert Hall. Mr Lloyd Webber will be travelling between the two venues by helicopter. It's a huge challenge to play such a emotional piece twice in one day and in two different locations Julian Lloyd Webber...