Philippa Greenwood wrote:

>All I wish to add to the Elgar discussion is to say that the Enigma
>Variations should surely rest with "the greatest music ever written" awards
>- if such awards were ever given out.  Elgar has a distinctive use of
>harmony which makes the variation "Nimrod" so unique.

Also orchestration, which, in this case may be saying somewhat the same
thing.  He had a way of shifting and moving instruments in and out of the
existing and also the changing harmony, very subtly varying and enriching
colors.

>To be honest, Elgar is also one of the few British composers that I enjoy.
>Most of my favourite composers are of German origin - Bach, Mozart,
>Beethoven, Brahms for example.

Not hard to believe.  Elgar was heavily influenced by the Germans, e.g.,
Schumann, Strauss, Wagner.  He worshipped Back and Mozart and was a friend
of Strauss.  I would say he is the most German of the major English
composers.

Roger Hecht