The Enigma Variations [6] - Richard

The Enigma Variations is a comic romance, set in England in 1920. It is based on the wonder and mystery of Life, and the elements that comprise it, suggested by and loosely modelled on Sir Edward Elgar’s famed suite of the same title. On the day of the play, Edward and his wife Alice are having a lunch for several friends, to be followed by a musicale to welcome back their long-absent friend Basil, who has written only that he is returning home (from Canada) after a 25-year absence while remaining mysterious as to why. That morning, their 16-year-old daughter Isobel reveals -- to her parents' dismay -- that she expects her suitor, 18-year-old Richard, will ask her to marry him. As in Elgar’s suite, each of the characters is associated with a movement and an instrument, although only Richard must play with any proficiency. To everyone's surprise, it is revealed that Richard is an accomplished classical violinist, which feat wins Edward's and Alice's approval of his engagement to Isobel.see less