Elgar's 'Enigma' Variations - a Centenary Celebration - Softcover

Turner, Patrick

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0905211014 ISBN 13: 9780905211015

Publisher: Thames Publishing, 1999

Synopsis

Audiences and critics were quick to realise that a masterpiece had come among them when Elgar's 'Enigma' Variations had its first performance, in June 1899. It has stayed at the forefront of the orchestral repertoire ever since, and the Nimrod variation in particular has achieved a very special place in the nation's affections.

Patrick Turner's authoritative book, written to celebrate the centenary of this much-loved work, takes a refreshing new look at the circumstances surrounding its composition, together with its associated puzzles, making extensive reference to a wide range of source material. Some of this appears here in published form for the first time, including - surprisingly - the first ever reference to an enigma in connection with the work.

He offers an explanation of how the enigma itself came into being, and a new solution that is unique insofar as it is the first time a tune has been put forward that actually fits Elgar's theme perfectly.

Copiously but unobtrusively annotated, this fascinating book makes a valuable contribution to Elgarian scholarship whilst at the same time remaining eminently readable. It will appeal to specialists and non-specialists alike.

About this title

Review

"Refreshing"
"His arguments are both entertaining and closely reasoned"
"Turner has the sleuth's mentality" -- The Elgar Society Journal - March 1999

"Turner's account (is) the one which will best enhance the general reader's appreciation of a much-loved work."
"I remain convinced at a purely musical level that Turner's solution fits better than so many solutions put forward over the years." -- Classical Music - 12 June 1999

About the Author

Patrick Turner, a long-time member of the Elgar Society, has been passionately involved with Elgar's music for over twenty-five years. Born in Herefordshire in 1947, he was educated at Monmouth School and Jesus College, Oxford, where he read modern languages. He has since pursued a career in business, working mainly in Europe. He lives near Barcelona.

Edition details

• Publisher: Thames Publishing
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0905211014
• ISBN 13: 9780905211015
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 148