the Enigma of it All

This post takes a shift from politics and/ or art and delves into the genre of classical music. Many people may not know I have an affinity for it and actually do quite well at my Music History 101. I can thank my time at college, #HarryJohnBrown and his infinite wisdom as a mentor for guiding me into this realm. I fondly remember his house with a library of old reel-to-reel recordings of his famous concerts with the Milwaukee Symphony as my introduction.

I gravitate to both the grand drama of the Russians and even their impressionistic masters like Scriabin. Also the regal stylings of the Romantic Brits like Grainger and Bax. And certainly the flowery Chopin. Edward Elgar fell into this latter grouping. I've grown to appreciate both his symphonic and choral works. But it is his Enigma Variations that intrigue me more than anything else. The majesty of the Nimrod movement, but also all the other diversions along the way. While experimenting as a young choreographer in college, I once had this vision of them as a concert work - where each movement would be staged by a different dancer to make up a complete pastiche of an evening.

 If you are not familiar with them, they are a suite of 14 variations written in 1899. It is known that each statement is in homage to a personal connection of Elgar's. One to his wife, one to his publisher etc.... He started with a melody at his piano and then improvising on that same melody. In its early life he intended it to be variations that would parody many of his contemporaries such as Arthur Sullivan. But what premiered in London a year later is the suite we all know now as the Variations. That is where the mystery begins. All through his life he insinuated at the core melody of the piece, but took the inspiration to his grave. So for the last 100+ years, musicologists have been trying to uncover the elusive source. There have been guesses as varied as "Auld Lang Syne," "Twinkle Twinkle" and "Rule Britannia." Some have tried to alter short passages into minor keys or even play phrases in reverse to unlock the cryptogram. Much like the Beatles Revolver album and it's mysteries played backward.

This short podcast revives the puzzle and points to a possible solution in "A Mighty Fortress." My natural sense for solving puzzles is stirred by the discussions as scholars and musicians weigh in on the endless possibilities. Will it ever be solved?

NPR Enigma Variations - All Things Considered