ELGAR’S ENIGMA
I began researching the Variations in 1996 and next month marks the 20th Anniversary since I had a significant breakthrough in my quest of solving Elgar’s mystery. Since then I have unfortunately been non-stop with work so have never been able to finish the book.
Over that time I have been clarifying my thoughts and cross checking myself, and am at the point I believe I can satisfy any question put to me on the subject, which I understand comes across as quite a boast! I have read the many articles and solutions that have appeared over the last quarter of a century and to paraphrase Elgar ‘it is extraordinary no-one has spotted it’.
The countdown begins…
“The Enigma I will not explain – its ‘dark saying’ must be left unguessed, and I warn you that the connection between the Variations and the Theme is often of the slightest texture. Further, through and over the whole set another and larger theme ‘goes’, but is not played… so, the principal Theme never appears.”
CONDUCTING / COMPOSING / ARRANGING
Simon’s interest in music is broad. He has recorded solo violin and chamber works for the Divine Art, NMC and Cala labels and has appeared as soloist on BBC Radio 3 and in the United States. He has appeared as guest principal with many of the UKs leading chamber and symphony orchestras and has toured in over forty countries.
In 2011, Simon made his conducting debut with the St George’s Chamber Orchestra, with whom he has since appeared on numerous occasions. He has conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios and has appeared at the Alfriston, Battle and Thaxted Festivals.
Simon’s interest in the life and music of Edward Elgar has led him to conduct his own arrangements and orchestrations of Elgar’s music. He has appeared as guest speaker for the Elgar Society, the Elgar Birthplace Museum, Westminster Music Library, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and has broadcast for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.