Elgar’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.

“Nimrod” from Enigma VariationsEdward Elgar

[Tugan Sokhiev] Edward Elgar: Nimrod, from “Enigma Variations” [Bolshoi]

One of the signature works by the British composer Edward Elgar—also known for Pomp and Circumstance—is the Enigma Variations.

Officially titled Variations on an Original Theme, this piece was composed as a set of orchestral variations and is notable for its unique genesis: Elgar improvised variation-like passages while thinking of his friends, and later developed them into a full orchestral work.

The piece consists of 14 variations, the most famous of which is Variation IX, “Nimrod.” There are performances of it on its own, as well as arrangements that isolate “Nimrod,” and perhaps because of its grand yet wistfully beautiful melody, it is frequently used in the UK for funerals and memorials.

Although it was not composed with that intention, listening to it can vividly conjure images of a climactic scene in a film or ceremony—one of the fascinating aspects of how music can affect us.

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Enigma Variations, Variation IX “Nimrod”Edward Elgar

Elgar: Enigma Variations, Op. 36 – No. 9 “Nimrod”

“Enigma” is a Greek word meaning “riddle,” “puzzle,” or “conundrum,” and the composer Elgar is said to have embedded two enigmas in this set of variations.

“Nimrod” is a nickname Elgar gave to a close German friend who worked for a music publishing company, and it seems to depict his character as well as a night the two spent strolling and discussing Beethoven.

Dance of the EchoesEdward Elgar

Peter Bradley-Fulgoni plays Elgar: Echo’s Dance Op.81

In fact, although the great British composer Edward Elgar wrote only a handful of purely piano pieces, his Echo’s Dance—composed as part of the ballet music The Sanguine Fan—is a noteworthy work.

It is a characteristically romantic piano piece, graced with elegant melodies and refined musicianship.

This is a piece that fully showcases the expressive power unique to the piano, and it’s no wonder it is beloved by a wide range of performers, from amateurs to professionals.

It’s a fine masterpiece that I can recommend even to those not familiar with classical music.

The Dream of GerontiusEdward Elgar

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius [Barbirolli] Janet Baker, Richard Lewis, Kim Borg

This is an oratorio composed by the British composer Edward Elgar, famous for orchestral works such as Pomp and Circumstance and Salut d’Amour.

It is also rendered as The Dream of Gerontius, and was inspired by the long poem The Dream of Gerontius, which Elgar received from a cardinal when he married at the age of 32.

While many of Elgar’s orchestral works—epitomized by Pomp and Circumstance—are notably strict and brisk, this oratorio is grand and romantic.

At its premiere, audiences had expected a Handelian oratorio, and many were surprised by Elgar’s new approach.

However, some critics, including Bernard Shaw, recognized The Dream of Gerontius as a masterpiece, praising its mystery and lyricism, effective choral writing, vivid musical imagery, and noble spirituality.

SketchEdward Elgar

Edward Elgar: Skizze

Edward Elgar was a British composer active from the late 19th to the early 20th century, known for masterpieces such as Pomp and Circumstance.

Among his piano works, one of the most striking is Sketch.

Composed in 1901 and dedicated to a friend of Elgar’s, this piece exemplifies a romantic style, characterized by concise melodies and emotive performance.

It conveys deep feeling inspired by the composer’s love of nature and the landscapes of his homeland.

Sketch has also been used as background music in films and television dramas and is highly regarded by classical music enthusiasts.

Its delicate, wistful melody makes it a recommended piece for anyone who wants to savor the beauty of music.

In SmyrnaEdward Elgar

Edward Elgar: “In Smyrna” (1905) (Luca Moscardi, piano)

A gem where you can hear Elgar’s piano infused with exotic color.

The English composer Edward Elgar is widely known for orchestral works like Pomp and Circumstance and the Enigma Variations, but in fact he didn’t write many pieces for piano.

Among those few, a particularly unusual one is In Smyrna, inspired during his travels around the Mediterranean.

While it carries an Oriental flavor, it also showcases Elgar’s distinctive musical voice, resulting in a romantic, finely crafted piece.

It’s a travel-evoking work I’d love even those who don’t usually listen to classical music to savor.

SerenadeEdward Elgar

Serenade – Edward Elgar

Edward Elgar is one of Britain’s foremost composers and created famous works such as Pomp and Circumstance.

Among his chamber pieces, the Serenade for Strings is a celebrated work noted for its graceful, poetic melodies.

Comprising three movements, this piece is known as one of Elgar’s early masterpieces and offers glimpses into various facets of his style.

In particular, the deeply expressive melody of the second movement appeals to listeners’ hearts and has long been cherished as a classic of the repertoire.

The Serenade is a highly recommended piece for anyone wishing to savor the beauty of string ensemble music.