Nimrod

Definition

Nimrod is a movement from Edward Elgar's 'Enigma Variations' that serves as a musical tribute to the composer’s friend, August Jaeger. This variation is characterized by its rich harmonic language, emotional depth, and lush orchestration, reflecting a profound sense of nostalgia and admiration. Within the context of chromatic mediants and altered chords, Nimrod exemplifies how Elgar employs chromaticism to create expressive shifts in harmony and mood, using altered chords to evoke complex emotional responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nimrod is often considered one of the most beloved movements in the 'Enigma Variations', known for its sweeping melodies and poignant harmonies.
2. The title 'Nimrod' refers to a biblical figure who was a mighty hunter, symbolizing Jaeger's strength and character as perceived by Elgar.
3. Elgar's use of chromatic mediants in Nimrod creates striking contrasts between sections, enhancing the emotional impact of the music.
4. The piece features altered chords that contribute to its rich harmonic palette, allowing for expressive shifts in tonality and mood.
5. Nimrod is frequently performed at memorials and commemorative events due to its profound sense of reflection and beauty.

Review Questions

• How does Elgar use chromatic mediants in Nimrod to enhance its emotional impact?
  • Elgar employs chromatic mediants in Nimrod to create surprising harmonic shifts that contribute to the movement's emotional depth. By introducing chords that are a third apart with one common tone, he allows for unexpected resolutions that heighten the sense of longing and nostalgia. This technique helps to paint a vivid emotional landscape, reinforcing the tribute nature of the piece.
• What role do altered chords play in the harmonic structure of Nimrod, and how do they affect its overall character?
  • Altered chords in Nimrod play a crucial role in adding tension and color to the harmonic structure. These chords introduce dissonance that resolves into more stable harmonies, creating moments of both tension and release. This interplay between altered chords and more conventional harmonies adds complexity to the piece, allowing it to evoke a wide range of emotions while maintaining its lyrical beauty.
• Evaluate the significance of Nimrod within the broader context of the 'Enigma Variations' as a whole, focusing on its thematic connections.
  • Nimrod holds significant weight within the 'Enigma Variations', not only as a personal tribute but also as a representation of Elgar's broader compositional goals. It embodies themes of friendship, loss, and remembrance that resonate throughout the entire work. The emotional gravitas found in Nimrod reflects Elgar's intent to explore deeper human experiences, connecting it intricately to other variations that address similar themes while showcasing his masterful use of chromatic mediants and altered chords.

Related terms

Chromatic Mediants: A chromatic mediant is a type of chord relationship where two chords share one common tone and are a major or minor third apart, creating unexpected harmonic connections.

Altered Chords: Altered chords are chords that contain one or more notes that have been raised or lowered from their original scale degree, adding tension and color to the harmonic progression.

Theme and Variations: Theme and variations is a musical form where a main theme is presented and then altered in successive sections, allowing for exploration of different textures, harmonies, and emotional expressions.