Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations, one of the most beloved symphonic compositions ever to emerge from the British Isles, brought the composer international recognition when it was premiered in 1900. The piece consists of fourteen variations, each of which sketches a musical picture of the composer's friends, acquaintances, his wife, and, finally, himself. The music ranges from the playfully humorous to the deeply passionate. The theme on which all the variations are based is never actually presented in the piece – an enigma worthy of the name.
This concert features
the season's second appearance by artist-in-residence Leila Josefowicz.
This time she brings
us Helen Grime's bracingly fresh Violin Concerto, composed in 2016.
Grime is one of
Britain's most successful young composers. Her works have been lauded for their
spellbinding spirit and unique creativity. "I am particularly excited to
premiere Helen Grime's Violin Concerto in Iceland," says Leila Josefowicz.
"The piece bubbles with a visceral energy as well as with something
mystical and heavenly. There are few new compositions that are as enjoyable to
perform for people." The first piece on the concert is Ballade in A minor
by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a contemporary of Elgar's. It is an energetic and
lively piece, full of vivid emotions despite being small in scale.
Samuel
Coleridge-Taylor
Ballade in A minor
Helen Grime
Violin Concerto
Edward Elgar
Enigma Variations
Daníel Bjarnason
conductor
Leila Josefowicz
soloist