One of the most beautiful examples of Elgar's art is the ' Enigma ' Variations, which perhaps more than any other of his works has been the means of spreading his fame abroad. The title ' enigma ' refers to ' another and larger ' theme (presumably a well-known tune) which if played in conjunction with the present theme and the subsequent variations, fits perfectly.
These variations are dedicated ' To my friends pictured within and consequently each variation is prefaced with the initial or nickname of the friend ' pictured Referring to this novel idea. Elgar said : ' It is true that I sketched for their amusement and mine the idiosyncrasies of fourteen of my friends, not necessarily musicians, but th'is is a personal matter, and need not have been mentioned publicly ; the Variations should stand simply as a " piece " of music '.