The root of Elgar�s work is his gift for melody while his harmonic structures are richly diverse, sometimes chromatic at others touchingly diatonic; his orchestration is brilliant and colourful with particularly impressive use of string textures. All these characteristics of his technique are evident in his orchestral work the Variations on an Original Theme (�Enigma�), which received its first performance in London in 1899 and was conducted by Hans Richter. The 14 Variations are dedicated to �My friends pictured within�, and every one of them bears initials or some nickname. Nimrod is a hunter, who was famous for his prowess and is found in the Old Testament (Genesis 10:8-9).

This series of arrangements for string quartet is aimed at string quartets� that are building a repertoire of incidental popular classics and �easy listening� music for social functions of every kind. In preparation also at the time of writing is a collection of the most popular hymns taken from the English Hymnal for string quartet with optional chamber organ. From time to time I shall add further pieces thus building the availability of music that is well known to the general public. String quartets should contact me if they have any particular requests, but here I must stress that strict copyright restrictions may apply for certain commissions.