Programme 94 Dvorak and Elgar Variations Programme description

Loading player...
In today’s programme we are continuing to look at the topic the use of Theme and Variations, after Beethoven. We have music by Elgar and Dvorak.

Edward Elgar (1857–1934)
Enigma Variations, Op. 36 – 14 variations each portraying a friend of the composer

Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904)
Symphonic Variations, Op. 78 – a richly orchestrated and well-developed variation set

Dvořák and Elgar infused variation form with National Identity and Orchestral Color, cultural and personal identity.
The theme is used as mirror, not only transformed musically but emotionally and socially.

Bohemian composer Antonín Dvořák brought it to the orchestra with his Symphonic Variations—a colorful and inventive work that dances, sighs, and sings.

Meanwhile, in England, Edward Elgar took a deeply personal approach. Elgar’s Enigma Variations personalize the theme; each variation is a vignette.His Enigma Variations are portraits of his friends, each one full of character, wit, and affection. Together, they form a musical scrapbook of human connection.

Please come and join me for the music!
13 Apr 2025 English South Africa Music · Music History

Other recent episodes

Programme 119 — The Noble Horn

Concertos for French Horn Noble, heroic, lyrical — and sometimes surprisingly intimate. The French horn possesses one of the most distinctive voices in the orchestra. In The Noble Horn, Brian follows that voice through three remarkable concertos by Mozart, Franz Strauss and his son Richard Strauss. Beginning with the natural…
14 Sep 58 min

about Music- Programme 118 The Golden Trumpet

The trumpet has long been associated with ceremony, triumph and brilliance, but behind its dazzling sound lies an instrument capable of remarkable elegance and warmth. In this programme we follow the trumpet's transformation from the noble natural trumpet of the Baroque to the expressive solo instrument of the Classical era…
31 Aug 1 hour

about Music-Programme 35 – Serenade by Starlight (Woodwinds + Strings)

Welcome to “about Music” with Brian. I have four Serenades for us in this programme. Our theme is Serenade by Starlight, and it is an easy listening programme that contains some well-known favourites. Composer- Title Programme Note Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus- Serenade in G Major K. 525 “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” Sparkling…
20 Jul 1 hour

Programme 117 Double Reed, Double Delight – Concertos for Bassoon

A concert celebrating the wit, warmth, and expressive voice of the bassoon — that most human of instruments, capable of both laughter and lyric song. Few instruments have as much personality as the bassoon. With its long wooden body and curling metal crook, it looks slightly eccentric — and sounds…
20 Oct 2025 1 hr 04 min

Programme 116 – Cor Anglais: Classical Roots and Romantic Voices

Welcome to today’s edition of “about Music” with Brian. Last week we listened to the Oboe, a double reed instrument with a bright treble penetrating sound. It is the familiar voice of the family. There are two more family members. The oboe d’amore, pitched lower in A, has a warmer,…
12 Oct 2025 59 min