Nimrod, from the Enigma Variations

Variation IX (Adagio) ‘Nimrod’ was written for Augustus J. Jaeger, a music editor at London publisher Novello and close friend of Elgar. Jaeger gave Elgar advice and encouragement to continue composing when Elgar had doubts. Nimrod was an Old Testament patriarch described as ‘a mighty hunter before the Lord’, while Jäger is German for hunter.

The Nimrod variation is played at funerals, memorial services, and other solemn occasions.

“Nimrod” is arranged here for low brass choir.  The Alto Trombone,  Euphonium and Tuba parts could be covered by Tenor and Bass Trombones.

Instrumentation:

• Alto Trombome
• Tenor Trombones 1-3
• Bass Trombones 1-2
• Euphonium 1-2
• Tuba