THE original finale to Sir Edward Elgar's most popular work has been recorded - more than a century after its first performance.

Worcestershire's famous son discarded the original ending to the much-loved Enigma Variations after its triumphant premiere in London, in 1899.

Why it has never been recorded before is one of many enigmas surrounding the piece but fans of Britain's most celebrated composer will be able to revel in the finale he first intended.

The renowned Halle Orchestra, which performed the world premiere of Elgar's First Symphony, has recorded the original work on a CD to be released on St George's Day - Wednesday, April 23.

But visitors to the Elgar Birthplace Museum at Lower Broadheath, near Worcester, have already been able to buy copies in advance.

Museum supervisor Chris Bennett said Elgar enthusiasts would be aware of the original but believed many classical music aficionados would not have come across it.

"Personally, I prefer the later version, but it gives people a unique chance to hear what the first public performance of the piece sounded like," he said.

"Events like this do help to bring Elgar's work to a wider audience outside of the arts world."

Halle Orchestra musical director Mark Elder revealed more about the work, which includes the rousing Pomp and Circumstance March No 1, better-known as Land of Hope and Glory - which Elgar disliked.

"When his publisher criticised the finale for being too brusque and not making a big enough climax, Elgar was reluctant to make a revision because he really believed in the original.

"But then he went away and came up with the finale we all know."

The revised work, which has become a major part of the Elgar canon, was first heard at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, in September 1899.

The original ending was probably not heard again until 1968, when it was used for Sir Frederick Ashton's ballet Enigma Variations.

Elgar dropped it after criticism from August Jaeger, his publisher and the inspiration for Nimrod, the ninth of the 14 variations. - although initially, he was not happy with Jaeger's disapproval.

He wrote to Jaeger in June, 1899: "Now look here, the movement was designed to be concise. Here's the difficulty of lengthening it - I could go on with those themes of half a day but the key of G would be exhausted."

However, the following week Elgar began work on adding another 96 bars, plus an optional organ part to compose the ending which has thrilled fans through the ages.