Enigmatic Variations

Description

The Enigmatic Variations (subtitled Ainissesthai) was composed from material in Sir Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations. It was suggested to composer Leroy Osmon that an arrangement of sections of the Elgar piece would give young bands the opportunity to perform parts of this great work. However, he found that composing a new set of variations was more appealing. Every measure of the Enigmatic Variations can be traced to melodic, rhythmic or harmonic material used by Elgar. The opening measure is taken from the triplet figure that is repeatedly used in “Variation XIV” (measure 18). This is followed in measure 3 by a trombone solo taken from the first measure of the cello line in “Variation XIIL” Each of the melodic entrances, first by the trumpet and then the horn and baritone, are from the main “original” theme of Elgar. One of the more dramatic moments in the opening (measures 20 through 23) is a development of the four sixteenth notes in “Variation X,” measure 2, count 2. Some of the sounds will simply be familiar in style to Elgar and others are more direct. The ending of the Enigmatic Variations is a direct quote from “Variation IV,” the intent being a “wake-up” call for anyone who has not figured it out.

The Enigmatic Variations was commissioned by and is dedicated to the Reed Middle School Band (Duncanville, Texas, Tammy Fedynich, Gary Williams and Melinda Schweig, directors), for performance at the Texas Music Educators Association’s 2003 “CCC” Honor Band Concert.

Published by: RBC Publications