b'Elgar wrote, The first few bars were suggested by [the] great bulldog Dan (a well-known character) falling down the steep bank into the River Wye (bar 1); his paddling up stream to find a landing place (bars 2 and 3); and his rejoicing bark on landing (second half of bar 5). G.R.S. said set that to music. I did; here it is.Variation XII - (B.G.N.) - Basil Nevinson, a good friend and cellist with whom Elgar played chamber music along with H.D.S-P. of Variation IIVariation XIII - (***) - Not everyone agrees on the identity of the person in this variation. Elgar maintains the asterisk takes the place of Lady Mary Lygon of Worcestershire nobility, who at the time of the composition was on a sea voyage. This would certainly explain the clarinet quoting a phrase from Mendelssohns Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage overture. Others believe, however, the identity is that of Helen Weaver, who was once a girlfriend of Elgars.Variation XIV - (E.D.U.) - The composer himself. These are not his initials, but when spoken, sounds like Edoo which was what his wife nicknamed him.The real enigma lies in the larger unspoken theme which binds all of the variations. Elgar once said of the work: In this music, I have sketched, for their amusement and mine, the idiosyncrasies of fourteen of my friends, not necessarily musicians; but this is a personal matter and needs not have been mentioned publicly. The Variations should stand simply as a piece of music. The Enigma I will not explainits dark saying must be left unguessed, and I warn you that the apparent connection between the Variations and the Theme is often of the slightest texture; further, through and over the whole set another and larger theme goes, but is not playedso the principal Theme never appears, even as in some late dramasthe chief character is never on the stage.An enigma indeed!Instrumentationtwo flutes (one doubling piccolo), two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons and contrabassoon, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, and stringsDuration29 minutes~Kenneth BeanAssistant ConductorPrinceton Symphony Orchestra'