Why Elgar’s Enigma Variations Choke Us Up Every Time
3 Jan 2019… Especially the “Nimrod” variation.
According to Classicsfm.com, the reasoned explanation of why Sir Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations is super overwhelming and can bring us to tears is that, “It’s all in the fluctuating dynamics, the unresolved tension and the cracking timpani rolls…”
Perhaps it is possible to analyse the component parts of this English composer’s genius, in this work or in his rhapsodic cello concerto, or in his popular marches like “Pomp and Circumstances,” to explain the swell of emotions and joyful reaction to his music. However, explanations and even the best recordings simply pale in comparison to a live performance with a master conductor leading our Louisville Orchestra.
On Saturday, January 12 at 8PM (for one performance only) the American master conductor Leonard Slatkin leads the LO in Elgar’s Enigma Variations. The performance also features a work composed by the conductor and another contemporary work by Cindy McTee. Featuring LO’s beloved principal flutist, Kathy Kerr, the program includes Walter Piston’s suite from The Incredible Flutist. Excellent seats are still available at the Kentucky Center for this concert.
LINK to get tickets at KentuckyCenter.org
Maestro Leonard Slatkin
As one of the preeminent conductors on the American scene, Leonard Slatkin spent many years on the podium of the St. Louis Symphony, the National Symphony, and most recently at the Detroit Symphony. A multiple Grammy Award winner and recipient of a National Medial of Arts, Mr. Slatkin is also a champion of the music of American composers and musicians. He is a friend, teacher, mentor and tireless advocate for musician and music lovers around the world.
Teddy Abrams was assistant conductor to Mr. Slatkin at the Detroit Symphony and is excited to bring this friend and mentor to Louisville. “I learned so much from Leonard and can’t wait to have him with our orchestra. Did you know that he conducted here many years ago early in his career? So this is a homecoming of sorts,” says Abrams.
When he leaves Louisville, Mr. Slatkin travels to Europe to lead performances with the Orchestre National de Lyons — an orchestra with which he holds a long history and most recently toured with throughout Germany last fall.
A thoughtful observer of life, Mr. Slatkin posts an online journal of his performances and general observations. LINK to online journal.
We invite you to enjoy the music of Leonard Slatkin and his wife Cindy McTee with the Louisville Orchestra on Saturday, January 12.
