Nimrod From Enigma Variations Arranged by Jari Villanueva

By Sir Edward Elgar
Arranged by Jari Villanueva

2 Trumpets in Bb
Horn in F (Eb Alto Horn)
Trombone (Baritone TC)
Tuba
Timpani (Optional)

'Nimrod' is the name given to the ninth and best-known variation in Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations, an orchestral work of 14 variations on an original theme composed between 1898 and 1899. Each variation is also a portrait of one of 14 members of Elgar's family and circle of friends. A celebrated work in its own right, 'Nimrod' is a portrait of Augustus J. Jaeger, Elgar's editor and publisher.

It is a work that many will recognize from its repeated patriotic performances, such as at royal events, in the opening ceremony of the London's Olympic Games in 2012 and at the Last Night of the Proms. Every year, it is performed at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for the annual National Service of Remembrance, in which we remember those in British service who lost their lives in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts.

Similar to Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings, 'Nimrod' achieves tearjerker status through long phrases of swelling dynamics and undulating melody, building slowly to an emotional climax. The peaks of the work are signaled by timpani rolls, heightening the anticipation of its spine-tingling moments of impact.

Lyrics have been set to this work.

Lux Aeterna

Lux aeterna luceat eis Domine cum sanctis tuis

In aeternum:

Quia pius es

Requiem aeternam dona eis

Domine; et lux perpetua luceat eis

Cum sanctis tuis in aeternum quia pius es

May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord,

with your saints forever:

For you are good.

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord;

and may perpetual light shine upon them,

With your saints forever, for you are good.