(continued)
Enigma Variations, Op. 36 Overture, Cockaigne
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 spread- ing his fame abroad. The title ' enigma ' refers to ' another and larger ' theme (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 con- sequently each variation is prefaced with the initials or nickname of the friend ' pictured '. Referring to this novel idea, Elgar says: 'It is true that I sketched for their amusement and mine the idiosyncrasies of fourteen of my friends, not necessarily musicians, but this is a personal matter, and need not have been mentioned publicly ; the Variations should stand simply as a ' piece " of music '. However, as one of Elgar's admirers once pointed out : ' We see these friends of his in the light in which they appeared to Elgar..... But, as you cannot make a portrait of anybody without also making a portrait of yourself for the eyes that can see it, the real hero is Elgar himself '.

A Nautical Narrative in Music and Rhyme