Enigmatic Elgar from Madrid
It began as a piano improvisation "aided by a cigar," in the words of composer Edward Elgar. He came up with a curious little theme. And to amuse his wife Alice, he began improvising around the theme in ways that might represent a few of their friends. It grew into a theme and 14 variations, just over 30 minutes of touching and entertaining music for full orchestra. The Enigma Variations by Elgar. Adrian Leaper conducts the Spanish Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra, in concert in Madrid.