Page "Enigma Variations" Paragraph 48

Other writers, such as F. G. Edwards in 1900 and Robert Buckley in 1905, have held that the theme is a " countermelody to some other unheard tune ": it would fit when played simultaneously, but does not necessarily contain any of its characteristics other than the most general harmonic or structural outline.

Edwards wrote, " In connection with these much discussed Variations, Mr Elgar tells us that the heading Enigma is justified by the fact that it is possible to add another phrase, which is quite familiar, above the original theme that he has written.

What that theme is no one knows except the composer.

Thereby hangs the Enigma.

" Buckley, in his Elgar biography of 1905, wrote, " The theme is a counterpoint on some well-known melody which is never heard ".