Previous posts for June 2nd are found here: Edward Elgar (2019), (2020), and (2021)
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Edward Elgar (2 June 1857 – 23 February 1934) was arguably the most important British composer between Purcell and Britten.
It’s a Puzzlement
Elgar accepted none of the solutions to the works "enigma" proposed in his lifetime, and took the secret with him to the grave. -- adapted from Wikipedia
Some writers have argued... that the Enigma is a private joke with
little or no substance. - Wikipedia
Elgar died before he had revealed
The puzzle that his famous score concealed,
So every now and then a clever sleuth
Announces that they’ve stumbled on the truth,
Until the music world is worn and weary
Of yet another cockamamie theory.
It’s even said that Edward Elgar claims
Were just his way of having fun and games,
Which cuts the knot by sensibly declaring
The whole enigma angle a red herring.
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Acrostic
Elgar dedicated the work "to my friends pictured within", each variation being a musical sketch of one of his circle of close acquaintances. -- Wikipedia
Elgar had friends and relations
Left out of his great variations.
“Good Heavens!” wrote one,
“After all that I’ve done!
“Reply with your full explanations!”
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[Also, please visit my other blog: Alternate Takes: Great Art Repurposed.]
