This is part of a series of arrangements of orchestral pieces I'm working on which will be released on Spotify etc. in a few months. More original compositions to follow soon 😊 Sheet Music: www.lukefaulkner.com/product-page/elgar-nimrod-from-enigma-variations Perhaps follow me on Spotify if you like: open.spotify.com/artist/2KTBCTcRbjSO03qPsUeqq3?si=wyVRZ7W0RNi15VWcOrCWbw
This piece has greatly inspired me that I myself have followed Elgar’s idea to write a set of variations each to one of my friends too as I departed from my homeland Hong Kong. Enigma Variation is truly a masterpiece not just musically but also reminds us of the beauty of the theme “Friendship”.
Excellent! So many versions of this on the piano are rushed and/or played at a constant volume, but this rendition is just right - slow and majestic with a gentle build up to the climax in the middle, finally tapering away into silence, thereby leaving us stunned and in awe of the piece.
What a magnificent treat ! A composition I have adored for so many years. I always think of it - rightly or wrongly - as the inspirational source for all those huge sweeping works that has become such a trademark of original soundtrack compositions the last fifty years - and even earlier (think Tara's Theme from Gone with the Wind). I can never listen to this without being transported way beyond the clouds to my own elevated plane of exhilaration and - a contradiction in terms (!) - introspection. This composition together with Pachelbel's Canon in D is my go to when I feel the need for spiritual upliftment. Thank you my dear friend for this gift. PS. I once heard a recording of the Nimrod that built in tempo to an unbelievable crescendo ( probably not quite what Elgar intended ) with full orchestra where my heart almost burst to smithereens with ecstasy, similar to the effect the finale of Mahler's 8th Symphony has on me. I have never been able to trace this recording - and I have no idea which orchestra/conductor tackled it and broke all of its compositional prescriptions but hell, it was real kick-arse ( if you'll pardon the expression😉😎😆) Wishing you much joy and extremely satisfying creative interactions with all your muses to bring us more pleasure with your own compositions - SOON ! Keep well dear Luke.
They're definitely of the same ilk, Danie - that opulent late romanticism with arching melodies and rich orchestration. Lovely to hear from you, my friend!
Mr. Faulkner this is outstanding yet so approachable for the listener. How fortunate you are to have an Imperial 290 Bösendorfer available to you. I have played 4 in my lifetime, and each time it has been a life changing memorable experience. Your recording engineer is a genius. Though the Bösendorfer is one of the finest pianos in the world, it is not an easy instrument to record. Bravo 👏 👏👏
Thank you, Don! I think this is only the 2nd I've played - they're quite rare. Thanks for the compliment re. the audio! I arrange the mics myself, but believe it is Nadya - who does the mixing and mastering - who brings out the best in everything I send over. Her details are in the description box if you're looking for someone :)
Thank you so much, Roger! I noticed you purchased a copy (I'd happily have given you a copy since you're one of a small number of channel members). Anyhow, I hope you enjoy playing it.
@@LukeFaulkner Thanks for the offer, Luke, but you go to a huge amount of work to refine your talent, and I benefit from it. I really like to follow along with the sheet music and while you play. Thanks for supplying enjoyment.
Goodnight, this is beautiful. I've never heard this piece until now, but everything about it (and your performance) is simply amazing and awe-inspiring.
A most enjoyable performance. When buying physical copies of music was predominant, one of the best parts was the slevenotes. Thanks for adding the information about the piece in the description, giving the piece another dimension as a very personal project, to enhance the overall experience.
That's very true re. physical copies. I always like to write something about the pieces I share, so it's great to hear that there's someone reading them!
3:33 you hit that chord perfectly. It could be daring to play this slow but you nailed making it balanced and engaging. Reminds me of the grace of the Schumann Morning Songs now that you arranged it for piano.
Wow, I love the idea of writing for each of his friends! Like a kind of tribute to each one. 🥰 If I lend myself to the game, I wonder who this piece would fit around me... 🤔 Why did you choose this one? What does it evoke in you? Very pleasant to listen to anyway, thanks for this discovery, Luke! 💛🙏😻 I can't wait to listen to the next track (in 3 weeks, so long...😩...) maybe it will be one of your compositions this time?! (I'm curious, you know me 😇😉🙃) Fingers crossed! 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞 Have a nice Week-end, Luke, and Good luck to endure this heat!!. 🥵.. by chance, on Sunday it will rain a little! (yes, I also like rain, as a true Bretonne 🤣!!)
Yeah - I think it's a sweet idea too, Manon! I chose this one as it was one of the first Classical pieces I ever played, so it means something to me. The release in 3 weeks will be another composition, though 😉
@@LukeFaulkner Ooh, I understand, it is symbolically important for you 🙂 Great news ! I love to discover new pieces from Composers - as today -, but I prefer when it's from you ! ☺ I'm learning - very seriously, with my piano teacher, so it's done properly, I mean! 😊😋- on The Somnambulist, currently. I'm so loved about this composition, I can't wait to be able to play it from start to finish - and as beautifully as possible, I hope! Soon...... 🙈🤗🤞
Cool ideas! Composing for friends much better than for your friend's enemies. Do you decide/imagine who his friends, or he would let you know? I heard there were not supposed to be forever lasting friendships 😐
Thank you for this very moving arrangement and performance of a piece of music that is profoundly meaningful to me (as it is to many others). I am a total ignoramus when it comes to the technicalities of music, but the pacing (layperson's term) is perfect. Some performances of Nimrod are plodding, which makes it feel more tragic than it is. Other pianists kind of fly through it, which fails to capture the deep emotion that is conveyed so concisely.
Can't believe I missed that... I always assumed he only wrote it as an orchestral score so transcribed directly from there! Just compared the two and it's interesting to see the similarities and differences. There's a much greater degree of contrast in register between my opening and the climax in bar 28 (I wanted to make sure that triumphant climax really landed), but in general there's a lot in common.
If I had to guess what kind of person this piece depicted, I would say somebody who is endlessly persistent despite enormous setbacks. But any idea why this set of musical sketches of his friends is called the "Enigma Variations?" What's the enigma?
There's some speculation about the name. Some think there's a hidden melody - indeed there's a comment below by a Robert Padgett who believes the melody is "Ein feste Burg" and has mapped it onto Nimrod (the harmonies all fit together). I think the whole "which variation is who?" premise is enough of an enigma, but I'm not an Elgar scholar 😅
Hello I enjoy your playing a lot . I am a pianist and composer as well I was wondering if you’d ever like to collaborate on a piece sometime. Thanks, Isaac
This is part of a series of arrangements of orchestral pieces I'm working on which will be released on Spotify etc. in a few months. More original compositions to follow soon 😊
Sheet Music: www.lukefaulkner.com/product-page/elgar-nimrod-from-enigma-variations
Perhaps follow me on Spotify if you like: open.spotify.com/artist/2KTBCTcRbjSO03qPsUeqq3?si=wyVRZ7W0RNi15VWcOrCWbw
This piece has greatly inspired me that I myself have followed Elgar’s idea to write a set of variations each to one of my friends too as I departed from my homeland Hong Kong. Enigma Variation is truly a masterpiece not just musically but also reminds us of the beauty of the theme “Friendship”.
Nimrod is my favorite of the Enigma Variations, and this performance literally gave me chills.
Aww - thank you, Heather!
Excellent! So many versions of this on the piano are rushed and/or played at a constant volume, but this rendition is just right - slow and majestic with a gentle build up to the climax in the middle, finally tapering away into silence, thereby leaving us stunned and in awe of the piece.
What an awesome piece of music played brilliantly again good man Luke
Thanks so much, Ian! Hope you and Debbie are having a great summer. Would be lovely to see you both soon!
Wow this piece is really teaching us something meaningful.'We can go as high as we can but even though we fall make it an epic one'.
What a magnificent treat ! A composition I have adored for so many years. I always think of it - rightly or wrongly - as the inspirational source for all those huge sweeping works that has become such a trademark of original soundtrack compositions the last fifty years - and even earlier (think Tara's Theme from Gone with the Wind). I can never listen to this without being transported way beyond the clouds to my own elevated plane of exhilaration and - a contradiction in terms (!) - introspection. This composition together with Pachelbel's Canon in D is my go to when I feel the need for spiritual upliftment. Thank you my dear friend for this gift.
PS. I once heard a recording of the Nimrod that built in tempo to an unbelievable crescendo ( probably not quite what Elgar intended ) with full orchestra where my heart almost burst to smithereens with ecstasy, similar to the effect the finale of Mahler's 8th Symphony has on me. I have never been able to trace this recording - and I have no idea which orchestra/conductor tackled it and broke all of its compositional prescriptions but hell, it was real kick-arse ( if you'll pardon the expression😉😎😆) Wishing you much joy and extremely satisfying creative interactions with all your muses to bring us more pleasure with your own compositions - SOON ! Keep well dear Luke.
They're definitely of the same ilk, Danie - that opulent late romanticism with arching melodies and rich orchestration. Lovely to hear from you, my friend!
Thank you for making great orchestral music available to pianists. Wonderful wonderful arrangement 👏
My pleasure, Cindy! Hope you're well!
Definitivamente, hoje é um dia para sintonizarmos a mesma frequência. Que maravilha! Como é lindo e inspirador poder te ouvir. Obrigada!
Obrigado, Mari! Espero que você esteja tendo um ótimo verão.
Mr. Faulkner this is outstanding yet so approachable for the listener. How fortunate you are to have an Imperial 290 Bösendorfer available to you. I have played 4 in my lifetime, and each time it has been a life changing memorable experience. Your recording engineer is a genius. Though the Bösendorfer is one of the finest pianos in the world, it is not an easy instrument to record. Bravo 👏 👏👏
Thank you, Don! I think this is only the 2nd I've played - they're quite rare. Thanks for the compliment re. the audio! I arrange the mics myself, but believe it is Nadya - who does the mixing and mastering - who brings out the best in everything I send over. Her details are in the description box if you're looking for someone :)
Luke, This piece is as exquisite as it is touching. Your skill and voicing make this piece very touching. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Roger! I noticed you purchased a copy (I'd happily have given you a copy since you're one of a small number of channel members). Anyhow, I hope you enjoy playing it.
@@LukeFaulkner Thanks for the offer, Luke, but you go to a huge amount of work to refine your talent, and I benefit from it. I really like to follow along with the sheet music and while you play.
Thanks for supplying enjoyment.
Thanks Luke, very beautiful performance and relaxing, happy for you...I shall follow your compositions closely.
Thank you, Teresa! Thanks for listening 😊
Goodnight, this is beautiful. I've never heard this piece until now, but everything about it (and your performance) is simply amazing and awe-inspiring.
Thank you for saying so!
This is a magnificent arrangement. I love playing this arrangement.
Thank you so much, Roger! I'm so happy to hear this.
The sound of the Imperial 290 is amazing!
A most enjoyable performance. When buying physical copies of music was predominant, one of the best parts was the slevenotes. Thanks for adding the information about the piece in the description, giving the piece another dimension as a very personal project, to enhance the overall experience.
That's very true re. physical copies. I always like to write something about the pieces I share, so it's great to hear that there's someone reading them!
Wow. This is a hard piece. So much skill.
3:33 you hit that chord perfectly. It could be daring to play this slow but you nailed making it balanced and engaging. Reminds me of the grace of the Schumann Morning Songs now that you arranged it for piano.
That's a great comparison - I'd not considered the Morning Songs, but you're absolutely right.
Hi brother I'm Sri Lankan you are one of my best legend
Thank you, Eshan! That's very kind :)
That is so beautiful. Thanks, Luke.
It truly is a blessing Luke was born into this world
You too, my friend!
@@LukeFaulkner
Beautiful music and you. ❤
Aww - thank you, Ada!
I love the original song and hoped to find some piano arrangment ! Thanks a lot Luke !!!
My pleasure, David!
Masterful performance!
WOW, it's really an amazing arrangement and performance!!👍👍 Warm greetings and respect.👍😊
Thanks so much, Valerie!
@@LukeFaulkner Best regards!🙂
So beautiful. Bravo, Luke!
Thank you, Mico!
I really hope I can watch your live performance someday🙏🏻
I hope so too, Elif!
Bravoooooo... 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you, Carolina!
@@LukeFaulkner ☺🥰 Thank you!
Wow, I love the idea of writing for each of his friends! Like a kind of tribute to each one. 🥰
If I lend myself to the game, I wonder who this piece would fit around me... 🤔
Why did you choose this one? What does it evoke in you?
Very pleasant to listen to anyway, thanks for this discovery, Luke! 💛🙏😻
I can't wait to listen to the next track (in 3 weeks, so long...😩...) maybe it will be one of your compositions this time?! (I'm curious, you know me 😇😉🙃) Fingers crossed! 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
Have a nice Week-end, Luke, and Good luck to endure this heat!!. 🥵.. by chance, on Sunday it will rain a little! (yes, I also like rain, as a true Bretonne 🤣!!)
Yeah - I think it's a sweet idea too, Manon!
I chose this one as it was one of the first Classical pieces I ever played, so it means something to me. The release in 3 weeks will be another composition, though 😉
@@LukeFaulkner Ooh, I understand, it is symbolically important for you 🙂
Great news ! I love to discover new pieces from Composers - as today -, but I prefer when it's from you ! ☺
I'm learning - very seriously, with my piano teacher, so it's done properly, I mean! 😊😋- on The Somnambulist, currently. I'm so loved about this composition, I can't wait to be able to play it from start to finish - and as beautifully as possible, I hope! Soon...... 🙈🤗🤞
Cool ideas! Composing for friends much better than for your friend's enemies. Do you decide/imagine who his friends, or he would let you know? I heard there were not supposed to be forever lasting friendships 😐
Lovely! Thanks for this, Luke!
Thanks, Charles! Great to hear from you!
Thank you for making my night more beautiful and so expressively romantic.
Aww - thank you for saying so!
Thank you for this very moving arrangement and performance of a piece of music that is profoundly meaningful to me (as it is to many others). I am a total ignoramus when it comes to the technicalities of music, but the pacing (layperson's term) is perfect. Some performances of Nimrod are plodding, which makes it feel more tragic than it is. Other pianists kind of fly through it, which fails to capture the deep emotion that is conveyed so concisely.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Beautiful arrangement!!
Thank you, Theodore!
Nimrod variations written by Elgar is a tragic composition, maybe he was sad when he composed it ?
Wonderfull played Luke ! 👏
Congratulations ! 💐
I think the same thing...
Thank you so much!
Elgar wrote a piano version, I believe before orchestrating it. You might be interested to check it out to compare with yours.
Can't believe I missed that... I always assumed he only wrote it as an orchestral score so transcribed directly from there! Just compared the two and it's interesting to see the similarities and differences. There's a much greater degree of contrast in register between my opening and the climax in bar 28 (I wanted to make sure that triumphant climax really landed), but in general there's a lot in common.
Thanks for bringing my attention to this! Was a lot of fun.
I’d like to go your concert someday…
Very nice!
Thank you, dear Karen!
Beautiful. How do you find these stunning locations?
Lots of time on Google, Gavin!
If I had to guess what kind of person this piece depicted, I would say somebody who is endlessly persistent despite enormous setbacks. But any idea why this set of musical sketches of his friends is called the "Enigma Variations?" What's the enigma?
There's some speculation about the name. Some think there's a hidden melody - indeed there's a comment below by a Robert Padgett who believes the melody is "Ein feste Burg" and has mapped it onto Nimrod (the harmonies all fit together). I think the whole "which variation is who?" premise is enough of an enigma, but I'm not an Elgar scholar 😅
Very lovely. Seriously though do you like have a piano in every room in your house?
Hahaha, who doesn't? 😅
preciosa que don tan precioso
Gracias!
Might be better without as much compression, or just, more range if there isn't any
It's a very difficult one to judge - it's very quiet for the most part, but has a very loud climax.
I love you so much .☺️
You too!
Hello I enjoy your playing a lot . I am a pianist and composer as well I was wondering if you’d ever like to collaborate on a piece sometime.
Thanks,
Isaac
Where was this filmed?
A manor house in the UK.