
Friends and Enigmas
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.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio Wales & West
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Music Played
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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.
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Edward Elgar
Enigma Variations (CAE; HDSP; RBT; WMB)
Orchestra: ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Martyn Brabbins.- Hyperion : CDA68101.
- Hyperion.
- 3.
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Edward Elgar
Enigma Variations (RPA; Ysobel; Troyte; WN; Nimrod)
Orchestra: Hallé. Conductor: Mark Elder.- HALLE : CDHLL-7501.
- HALLE.
- 6.
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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.
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Edward Elgar
Carissima
Performer: Vilde Frang. Performer: Thomas Hoppe.- WARNER CLASSICS : 2173240942.
- WARNER CLASSICS.
- 4.
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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 2025 16:00ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3
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