Hidden Portrait and a complete performance of the Enigma Variations.

In an acclaimed BBC drama-documentary filmed in the rolling Malvern Hills, Sir Andrew Davis unravels the mystery of the famous musical puzzle contained in Elgar's seminal work.

A landmark performance of the complete work by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, given in the cathedral in Elgar's home town of Worcester, is recorded in beautiful 5.1 surround sound.

A HIDDEN PORTRAIT - Elgar's "Enigma" Variations is one of the most well known and well loved pieces of English music. Virtually overnight, Elgar created a British musical revival – and he was catapulted to fame as a result. This film brings the Enigma Variations to life, telling the fascinating stories behind the people who inspired them. Sir Andrew Davis presents this fascinating programme and conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra in a selection of the Variations in the glorious setting of Worcester Cathedral. A renowned interpreter of Elgar's music, he illuminates with the orchestra some of the accessible musical details such as the barking dog, or the ‘charming stutter’. Music, photographs, archive images, contemporary reconstructions, and Malvern scenery combines to create a living impression of Elgar's world.

BBC Symphony Orchestra / Sir Andrew Davis

Repertoire Elgar - Enigma Variations

Plus
ELGAR’S ENIGMA VARIATIONS – A complete performance of the Enigma Variations.

Reviews
'A masterpiece in every way.’
Sir Andrew Davis

'Davis decodes the Enigma with a fine performance and enjoyable ‘lecture’ ... Sir Andrew Davis’s warmly committed performance of the Enigma Variations, atmospherically recorded in Worcester Cathedral, introduces a highly enjoyable documentary about the work and the ‘friends pictured within’. The performance itself …is a fine one, with Davis in ‘Nimrod’ keeping his slow tempo steady throughout. …Andrew Davis and the BBC SO throw revealing light on Elgar.'
The Gramophone

'I find Sir Andrew Davis a seasoned and dedicated Elgarian, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra gives a responsive and detailed account of this endlessly fascinating music.'
International Record Review

'Andrew Davis presents the documentary in an engaging style, giving an overview of the variations, as well as homing in on several of them. There’s a mixture of musical analysis at an easily understandable level. …there’s a lot of information presented in an unassuming way, and, for anyone coming to this masterpiece for the first time, it’s a good way in.'
BBC Music Magazine

Awards & Accolades:
RECORDING OF THE MONTH Music Web Intl (May 2005)

CAT NO: OA0917D
FORMAT: All Formats
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 16:9
LENGTH: 85 MINS
SOUND: DTS SURROUND / LPCM STEREO
SUBTITLES: FR/DE/ES/IT
RELEASED: 29/03/2005
NO OF DISCS: 1