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
On radio
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- Thursday 16:00ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3
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