Enigma Variations

The Enigma variations refer to a series of musical compositions based on a theme by British composer Edward Elgar. Composed in 1898, "Enigma Variations" presents a main theme that is then transformed into fourteen different variations. Each variation reflects different moods and styles, representing Elgar's friends through musical ideas. The piece is celebrated for its emotional depth and complex structure, ultimately revealing a hidden "enigma" or secret about the main theme that remains undisclosed. This work is a significant contribution to classical music, illustrating creativity and the relationships between the composer and his circle.