New Research On Elgar's “Enigma”

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32396, 8 September 1970, Page 5

New Research On Elgar's “Enigma”

Dr lan Parrott, Gregynog Professor of Music at Aberystwyth, paid New Zealand admirers of Sir Edward Elgar and his music the compliment of releasing an intriguing aspect of recent research on Elgar when he gave a lecture arranged by the School of Music of the University of Canterbury. Professor Parrott has written a book on Elgar and it will be published soon. Ever since its composition, the “Enigma” Variations has tantalised musicians because iit has been believed that the ; composer had in mind “a well-known tune” as a coun- , terpoint to the theme. Professor Parrott’s thesis relies on his detailed reconstruction of the days in February, 1899, during which Elgar composed and orchestrated the work. Elgar did attend Mass on Quinquagesima Sunday. His wife’s diary confirms this. Hence, he certainly read the epistle with its reference to “Videmus nunc per speculum in aenigmate” (Now we see through a glass darkly), which clarifies the connection with and the significance of the title. Subsequent misleading re marks by Elgar had thrown

investigators off the scent, Professor Parrott said. Professor Parrott also disposed of certain myths which have grown round the piece and he underlined references to Bach and Beethoven as well as the directly-quoted Mendelssohn.