Elgar's Variations for orchestra were written during 1898-9; they are dedicated "To my friends pictured within" Each of the 14 variations is a musical portrait to one of the composer's friends. Over the 17 bar theme which inspired the Variations, Elgar wrote the word ENIGMA. Later he said, "The ENIGMA I will not explain - its "dark saying" must be left unguessed" In Variation VIII W.N. is Winifred Norbury. In 1897 local friends organised a choral and orchestral society for Elgar to conduct. The secretaryship of The Worcester Philharmonic, as the society was called, was shared by two ladies, of whom W.N.. was one She has been described as "very sedate and calm, rather like a kind governess with Elgar, but had a sense of humour - and a laugh, rather like a deep bell". Variation IX Nimrod is Elgar's deeply felt tribute toA.J.Jaeger, his German-born friend who worked for the publisher Novello and Co. His sincere support meant a great deal to Elgar. Jaeger, in German, means "hunter". Elgar concealed this in the nickname Nimrod. The variation has become extremely popular and is often played on thoughtful occasions. In this arrangement, either W.N. or Nimrod can be played alone. However, in the Variations they are linked by Elgar in an inspired manner.
