A major English composer of his time and a very influential musician during the late Romantic period, Sir Edward Elgar started his musical career as an organist, violinist and teacher. After his marriage in 1889, resulting in the composer’s greater financial freedom, Elgar moved to London. However, a real success and recognition as a composer came to Elgar much later. This was his celebrated Enigma Variations for the orchestra first performed in London in 1899.