BBC Radio 4 Extra

The Enigma I Will Not Explain

The Enigma I Will Not Explain: Episode 4

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Music: Classical

Episode 4

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Enigma I Will Not Explain, Episode 4

Having depicted 13 of his friends, Elgar used the final movement for his own self-portrait

Having depicted 13 of his friends in the Variations, Elgar used the final movement for his own self-portrait. What is the mystery of the titular variations? Presented by Ruth Padel.

Ruth Padel presents a series exploring the music of Elgar's Enigma Variations and analysing what the composition tells us about Elgar himself. 

Having depicted 13 of his friends in the Variations, Elgar used the final movement for his own self-portrait. What does the music tell us about him, and how did the problems he faced while writing it prepare him for composing his first symphony?

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Ruth Padel presents a four-part series exploring Elgar's Enigma Variations

Ruth Padel presents a four-part series exploring Elgar's Enigma Variations and analysing what the music tells us about the composer's character

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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