Composer Edward Elgar is my favorite British composer. I love his Violin Concerto, his Cello Concerto, and his Enigma Variations. Also, I actually would like to be able to meet him in my next life! He seemed to have had a unique sense of humor, and a super relaxed atmosphere as part of his personality.
I expect that Mr. Elgar would surely agree to meet me; whereas to see violinist Jascha Heifetz I likely would need an appointment… 🙂
Elgar composed his Enigma Variations as a way to create a musical portrait of many of his friends. The 9th variation was identified by the composer as “Nimrod.” The name is a play on words, as the biblical Nimrod was a great hunter, and the German word meaning “hunter” is Jaeger. And yes, Elgar’s friend’s name was Jaegar. Cool, huh? I can see myself cry to this movement, as people have done because it is often played at a memorial for a deceased person.
Here is Sir Colin Davis in a wonderful performance of this magical music:
