Edgar William Elgar (1857 - 1934)
Movs. XI from "Enigma Variations", Op. 36
Variations on an Original Theme for orchestra, Op. 36 ("Enigma"), commonly referred to as the "Enigma Variations", is a set of a theme and its fourteen variations written for orchestra by Edward Elgar in 1898--99. It is Elgar's best-known large-scale composition, for both the music itself and the enigmas behind it. Elgar dedicated the piece to "my friends pictured within", each variation being an affectionate portrayal of one of his circle of close acquaintances.
Movement XII: "G.R.S." (Allegro di molto)
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George Robertson Sinclair, the energetic organist of Hereford Cathedral. More specifically, the variation also depicts Sinclair's bulldog Dan, and a walk by the River Wye with Sinclair and Elgar when Dan jumped into the river. G.R.S. and Dan mirror the English national symbol: John Bull. Another John Bull, the famous composer, was also organist of Hereford cathedral.
