Ashley Wass was selected by the BBC as a 'New Generations Artist' for two seasons, acknowledging his promise as a young British pianist.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Musically, Elgar was more aligned with German Romantic composers of his era than with the developing English musical style that relied on folk-song.
Composer Biography
Edward Elgar, the composer, was the son of a shopkeeper and acquired much of his musical training from his father, who was a piano-tuner, organist, and violinist.
Performer Biography
Ashley Wass, the pianist on this recording, was the first British pianist to win the top prize at the World Piano Competition in 1997.
Composition History
The 'Enigma Variations' title refers to Elgar's claim that his main theme would fit with a very well-known melody, though he rejected suggestions like 'God Save the Queen' or 'Auld Lang Syne'.
Composition History
Each of the 'Enigma Variations' is dedicated to one of Elgar's friends, whose identities are known, including his wife Alice and his publisher Augustus Johannes Jaeger (Nimrod).
Composer Biography
Elgar's wife, Alice, nine years his senior and a former pupil, provided him with crucial moral and social support to navigate Edwardian society.
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