Edward Elgar - Enigma Variations, Op.36: IX. (Nimrod)

In 1899, English composer Edward Elgar created his Enigma Variations; a set of variations on the one melody, with each one representing a different friend of his. From his wife to his music publisher, each friend was immortalised in music as their different personalities shone through. This piece has never lost popularity, especially with the moving and powerful ‘Nimrod’ variation.

Conducted by Peter Luff.

[SammieClarke]

My father knew Edward Elgar. As a small boy in the same village of Broadheath, he would see Elgar as an older man in his garden, he loved flowers. He would always say hello and look at my father and stop his gardening to speak to him and his brothers and sister as they walked past. I was lucky to live in the same village many years later. Sadly, now all family have gone. But what beautiful music!! I am approaching 70 years now but this moves me, such talent!

[nannygoatbassoonist]

I had a premature emergency c-section due to severe pre-eclampsia a year ago. The preeclampsia was exasperated after contracting covid, and I was in the hospital at 34 weeks. They tried to slow it down with magnesium, but I was in too bad of a shape to remain pregnant, so I had to have an emergency c-section. I wanted so badly to be able to breastfeed. My baby was immediately taken to the NICU and I was too sick to even get out of bed. They brought me a pump. I listened to this on repeat while I looked at pictures of the baby to help stimulate milk production. It worked.
This piece has such a triumphant ending. A year later, I have my health back and a healthy active little boy who still breastfeeds.

[The_Viscount]

This piece was written for Elgar's friend, editor, and publisher, Augustus J Jaeger. Elgar struggled with depression and questioned his own worth and abilities. Through the years they worked together, Jaeger was there for Elgar through depressive episodes, and reaffirming the composers' abilities. Apparently, this is meant to be a musical telling of their relationship. It's one my favorites.

[mackjay]

Arguably the most beautiful 4 minutes of music ever composed. The beating heart of Elgar's great Enigma Variations

[ruthfox]

I hear the first notes and immediately I relax and feel calm. Such a beautiful piece of music, I wonder whether young people today who don't grow up with classical music the way I did are even able to relate to it and appreciate it.

[johngarcia]

Today I hear this for the first time as a 73 year old man. Reading comments. God thank you for allowing me to to find this music and feel closer to you.

[Richard]

The older I get the more this piece makes me want to cry.

[ommyotter]

I choke up almost every time I hear this. Thanks to Elgar and the Queensland Symphony for helping me release my emotions when nearly nothing else makes me cry like that. I hope there is an afterlife and that Elgar knows how beloved his work has become.

[Grancino]

'This Sceptered Isle - This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England'.

[marshgatelaneposse]

If you told me at the age of 18 that 40 years later you would sit on your sofa and basically cry your little heart out at this piece of music I would of called you a fool proud to be British ❤

[Maddisonbreenofficial]

This is the single most moving piece of music ever made. lest we forget.

[misterdog]

Probably because they practice a lot, but I always wonder why no musician actually gets overcome with emotions playing a piece like this and lets a tear escape.

[Daniel-deMerrivale]

I really wish this was the English National Anthem. Reminds me of summer days when I was young, looking up through elm and oak trees at the bright blue sky. A place now gone.

[LGranthamsHeir]

For the 80th anniversary of D-Day. In remembrance of all whom have fallen and all who participated in the campaign and are no longer with us. Thank you for your service.

[dustinharris]

i performed this with an honors orchestra in high school, and it was the greatest feeling in the world

[timenow]

Today, March the 8th, 2025 is early Spring, and we are promised a beautiful day. We live about 30 miles away from the Malvern hills and today, we will go to the top of the hills, see the beauty of Worcestershire and the distant views, then go to where Sir Edward Elgar rests, and give him our heart felt thanks for his beautiful, beautiful music that will last in our hearts forever. It's past time for the world to rest their ever overloaded heads, and sit with their hearts and feel the love of it should be, ...the very reason why this beautiful music exists.

[paulwebb]

This was played at my Dads funeral, his love for Elgars music was so great. This beautiful piece evokes such memories, and sums up my dad. So majestic. ❤️

[paineite]

I never tire of this ... incredibly lovely piece ... makes my heart ache every damn time. We can never repay the debt we owe people like him and so many others. Music: mankind's highest achievement.

[billace]

This moving, short jewel embodies the British spirit of resilience and perseverance.

And you don’t have to be one to get tears in your eyes listening to it.

[arthurlecomte]

the most beautiful melody England has ever produced