Elgar: Enigma Variations - Introduction & Allegro London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Colin Davis

• Edward Elgar (1857-1934): Enigma Variations, Op. 36:
• 1 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Theme: Andante 01:25
• 2 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 1: C. A. E. (The Composer's Wife) — 01:54
• 3 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 2: H. D. S-P. (Hew David Steuart-Powell) — 00:45
• 4 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 3: R. B. T. (Richard Baxter Townshend) — 01:35
• 5 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 4: W. M. B. (William Meath Baker) — 00:31
• 6 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 5: R. P. A. (Richard Penrose Arnold) — 02:09
• 7 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 6: Ysobel (Isabel Fitton) — 01:37
• 8 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 7: Troyte (Troyte Griffith) 01:03
• 9 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 8: W. N. (Winifred Norbury) — 01:53
• 10 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 9: Nimrod (A. J. Jaeger) — 04:25
• 11 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 10: Intermezzo: Dorabella (Dora Penny) — 02:50
• 12 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 11: G. R. S. (George Robertson Sinclair) 01:03
• 13 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 12: B. G. N. (Basil G. Nevinson) — 03:11
• 14 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 13: Romanza: *** (Lady Mary Lygon) — 03:14
• 15 Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Variation 14: Finale: E. D. U. (The Composer) 05:31
• Introduction & Allegro for strings, Op. 47
• 16 Introduction and Allegro, Op. 47 14:48
• Total Runtime 47:54

Info for Elgar: Enigma Variations - Introduction & Allegro

The Variations on an Original Theme, or ’Enigma’ as it is commonly known, brought Elgar overnight fame when it appeared in 1899. The music is glorious from start to finish, especially in the serene Nimrod. Each variation is given a cryptic title referring to one of Elgar’s friends although the overall enigma behind the original theme has never been deciphered.

“…Davis is marvellous at bringing out the subtleties of Elgar's orchestration. Subsidiary middle voices that are often inaudible at the hands of less sensitive interpreters are beautifully clear here, with no need for undue emphasis, aided by an absolutely first-rate recording of wonderfully natural depth and presence.” (BBC Music Magazine)

London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Colin Davis, conductor

Sir Colin Davis
The traditional road to success for a conductor used to be an apprenticeship in an opera house as a coach, playing the piano for singers in rehearsal. Colin Davis chose another route, partly by necessity. Unable to play the piano, he was not allowed into the conducting course at the Royal College of Music in London. So, he achieved an important international career by taking the initiative to form ensembles and conduct for friends at first. Early successes included the founding of the Chelsea Opera Group, a company which to this day gives performances of little known operas in concert.

Davis was soon working with professional orchestras including the BBC Scottish Symphony. His first ‘break’ was at Sadler’s Wells in 1958 when his conducting of Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio began a lifelong connection with that composer. The Edinburgh Festival followed along with Glyndebourne. His concert career blossomed in the mid 1960′s alongside his opera work and his other passion for Berlioz began to bring him to the attention of record lovers. He has recorded all the major works of Berlioz, including the first complete (and still regarded as the landmark) recording of Les Troyens.

Davis has enjoyed a career-long affiliation with Philips Classics, recording along with Berlioz, Mozart, the complete symphonies of Sibelius (while he was Principal Guest Conductor of the Boston Symphony in the 1970s) and much more.

Booklet for Elgar: Enigma Variations - Introduction & Allegro