The work that confirmed Sir Edward Elgar's reputation as an international composer was his Variations On An Original Theme op.36, first performed in 1899. The theme, which Elgar named "Enigma" - and which has been the subject of speculation ever since - is used to present aspects of the personalities of Elgar's friends in the variations, each one attempting to "find a solution" to the Enigma.
The variations are described here, but Elgar said the work may be listened to as "a piece of music" apart from from any extraneous consideration.
The Enigma Variations are one Elgar's most recorded pieces, and unlike a lot of British music it travels well outside of the UK. While English conductors such as Boult and Barbirolli, who had close ties with the composer have recorded idiomatic performances, the work has been well represented by conductors such as Toscanini, Bernstein, Stokowski and Solti. But here we have Indian conductor Zubin Mehta with a splendid performance (and recording) made when he was music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and dating from 1973.
Cartridge: Shelter 5000 MC
Phono amp: Graham Slee Accession MC
Turntable: CTC Classic 301 with SME M2-12R
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