Göteborgs Konserthus VÄGUS: Enigma Variations

Edward Elgar (1857 – 1934) Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma) The word enigma (riddle) says something about one of English music's most notorious orchestral suites. Part of the puzzle can be found in the subtitles of the different variation sets (14 in number) where name initials are preferably written. These recall various people who had a tangible impact on Elgar. From his wife, a musician, to close friends. Not infrequently their names form the melodic and even rhythmic variations which the original theme undergoes, but more clearly they are found in the temperament of the movements and sonorous execution of the characteristic of his friends. In everything from almost didactic interpretations, such as the sixth movement's play with string changes, which recalls one of his viola adepts' struggle with this very thing, or as in the most beloved ninth movement ("Nimrod"), where the conversations with Elgar's publisher shine through through the numerous musical references to Beethoven. The second riddle of the Enigma Variations remains unsolved to this day. It is said that there is a red thread hidden through the variations, identified by some as a melody, by others as an element of form, but we probably do best not to look too closely, but to do as Elgar emphasized already at the premiere: "but the work can be listened to to as a 'piece of music' free of any extra-musical references.” It is in the sound that the music has survived the centuries, the enigma is probably ultimately woven into a creative process that has long since ended. ESAIAS JÄRNEGARD

Andreas Hanson is leader of the Västra Götalands Youth Symphony from 2025. He studied conducting at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm, London and Milan. He is a guest conductor of the major Swedish orchestras and appears as a guest conductor in Europe. He has recorded nearly 20 albums for BIS, Serpent and Chandos. With a strong passion for contemporary music, he has premiered over a hundred contemporary works. After decades as chief conductor of national wind ensembles, Andreas Hanson has also built up an extensive repertoire knowledge of Nordic musical treasures and symphonic wind music. He has a great commitment to the next generation of musicians and conductors and to the music creation of the future. He is teaching conducting at the Royal Academy of Music and works with Dirigentløftet in Norway.