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1906
|
January
2
In France, a new Darracq racing motor car achieves new speed of 108 m.p.h.
4
In Berlin, police forbid Isadora Duncan to dance in public.
8
The U.S. debut in New York of pianist Arthur Rubinstein.
18
The Zeppelin LZ 2 airship is destroyed in a gale in Germany.
15
The Conservatives are defeated by the Liberals in the British General Election.
20
Birth of the Greek shipping tycoon, Aristotle Onassis
|
| January |
|
|
1 |
Alice writes in her diary: "A very happy first day of the year Deo Gratias. More cheerful than many have
been - as Festivals are not E.'s happiest days. E. happy writing."
|
|
2 |
"Mr Gurney's reception Town Hall. E. & A. went for a little time -" Edwyn Gurney was Mayor of Hereford,
and the Elgar's landlord.
|
|
3 |
Elgar works on the prelude to The Kingdom. |
|
4 |
"E sent start of Kingdom to Novello."
|
|
5 |
Elgar continues to work on The Kingdom.
|
|
6 |
"Mrs. Arkwright & Miss A. called & had tea. E. in - very nice." Mrs. Arkwright was wife of the local M.P.
|
|
7 |
"C. to Church with Mary at 11 -"
|
|
8 |
"May [Grafton} home by 5 o/c train"
|
|
9 |
Wulstan Atkins writes of his father: "Atkins went to Plas Gwyn to find Alfred Kalisch [a music critic and
translator] had arrived that morning. He was staying the night, and after dinner Elgar played over to them all of The
Kingdom that he had written so far - some oddments, and the Prelude, which was virtually complete."
|
|
10 |
Alice writes to Isabella Jaeger: "... my husband is very hard at work, I think you will love the new
tunes."
|
|
11 |
Alfred Kalisch returns to London, taking Carice Elgar and May Grafton to stay for ten days with the
Littletons (cairman of Novello).
|
|
12 |
"E. sent his beautiful Introduction to Messrs. Novello"
|
|
13 |
John Stanhope Arkwright, Conservative MP for Hereford comes to visit, and Elgar goes with him to his
political meeting in Hereford in the evening.
|
|
14 |
"E working all day on first scene of Kingdom."
|
|
15 |
"E. going on with 1st Sc. & finished or all but finished it. Very wet. E. went out a little way -"
|
|
16 |
"E. finished the 1st Sc. & sent it to Messrs. N. Gale & storms -"
|
|
17 |
E. not well & depressed - Turning against his work. A. very sad. Fine & sunny. E. to Ross at 2 -
thinking of walking back but only walked about there & home by train. very depressed - cd. hardly touch anythg -
&c &c -"
|
|
18 |
"E. certainly better. finished the few bars of the End of the 1st Part, & sent it (The Lord's Prayer)
to Messrs. N - E. writing a beautiful tune for 2nd Scene - warning to priests &c -"
|
|
19 |
"E. much better. Going on with beautiful new tune re Priests. Put up a shelf for Chemical apparatus in
Coach house. A. helped. "
|
|
20 |
Wulstan Atkins again: "Atkins went over and found Elgar at work on the end of the first section �They
gave forth the lots� and the chorus �O ye priests�."
|
|
21 |
"E. very headachy - A. to Church 11 - Not out again. E. working & writing beautiful things."
|
|
22 |
Elgar writes to Alice Stuart-Wortley, promising to send her proofs of The Kingdom: "Jany the
somethingth, 1906 (Dates quite forgotten in the turmoil of writing execrable Music)"
|
|
23 |
Elgar takes the Chair at an Oxford University Extension Lecture on "Renaissance Art" in Hereford.
|
|
24 |
"E. fairly well. Very hard at work -"
|
|
25 |
"E. very hard at work."
|
|
26 |
A dove hatches in the Plas Gwyn dovecote. The Elgars name it 'Bellerophon'.
|
|
27 |
"E. very busy all the morning. After lunch had Connolly motor & drove with A. & C. & May. Explosion of
tire, valve burst completely out just by Stoke Lacey. Some time being mended. Rector & wife invited us in, but we walked
about, very dull village."
|
|
28 |
"E. very headachy, I am sure chilled by drive - Dr. Sinclair came to supper- & E. played to him"
|
|
29 |
Arthur "Daddy" Mann, Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge, writes to Elgar: "You may be
interested to heard that we are hoping to perform �The Apostles� in King�s College Chapel on Tuesday June 12th. We
have already engaged The London Symphony Orchestra, Mad. Agnes Nichols, and Mr. Ffrangcon-Davies. I am now working hard
and training a good Cambridge chorus and I have every hope that a glorious representation will be giver of the work."
|
|
30 |
"E. still vesy porsley - Not out. not able for anythg. & very depressed. A. dreadfully worried -
Let doves out for 1st time - only one came out & flew about & went back after a time -"
|
|
31 |
"Let out doves again, hen came out & flew into garden & away & never returned. Had to nurse Bellerophon
in house as the cock went too & did not return till the morning, then he cared for B."
|
|
February
4
The New York Police Department decides to begin using fingerprint identification.
7
The Liberals sweep to a landslide victory in the British General Election. The Tories lose 245 seats.
15
In Washington three hundred suffragettes present their demands for electoral reform.
19
William S. Kellogg forms the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company, to market the cereal his brother, John Harvey,
invented as a therapy for mental patients.
21
In New York The Singer Co. files plans to build world's tallest office building.
|
| February |
|
|
1 |
Alice goes to see Alfred Littleton, of Novellos, to float the idea of The Kingdom being, like
The Apostles before it, shorter than orginally planned.
|
|
2 |
Alice has a day trip to London "... to Frank [Schuster] for luncheon. Nice talk. he was very dear &
kind & loved to talk of E - then drove to Lloyd-Williams who doctored toofs till 3.30 then tea at Club & so to Paddington
& so home at 8.25 -
|
|
3 |
"A. rather tired - E. to Malvern to Broadwood Concert."
|
|
4 |
Professor Sanford of Yale Univesity writes to Elgar: "There is to be a great Concert for a Yale �Charity�
on May 22nd in Woolsey Hall with the N.Y. Symphony Orchestra of 100, Walter Damrosch conducting. The Variations will be
played. He did them here at the 2nd concert with splendid effect. Did [Ivor] Atkins get his piano? Not a word of
acknowledgement from him since I sent it."
|
|
5 |
"E. badsley headache Out for ride but no better."
|
|
6 |
The writer Rosa Newmarch writes to Elgar: "Thank you for your kind congratulations of the completion of
�Tchaikovsky�. It might interest you to have one of the proofs of the frontispiece of which Mr. Lane had half a dozen
printed separately?"
|
|
7 |
"Cold & frosty - E. for ride with May. E. much better for being out."
|
|
8 |
"Snow storms as day went on. Carice burnt her hand at Chemistry - Dr. Collens came & bound it up.
Madge Martin came ... E. played Apostles music to her & showed her Chemistry"
|
|
9 |
"Snow & snow storms - Mr. Johnson [Birmingham Festival] telephoning after writing & A. proposing to go
over & see him."
|
|
10 |
"Great gale & storms. Launch of Dreadnought. E. sent telegram to Lord Charles [Beresford] for his
birthday. E. bad headache & saying must give up his work. A. dreadfully worried."
|
|
11 |
"... to Church at 11 - E. still badsley."
|
|
12 |
"E. still badsley, & saying he must give up his work. A. to go & say so. Dr. Sinclair came up & then
Dr. Collens & then E. said A. might say he hoped to do half - A. dreadfully worried but Dr. Collens said he thought E.
wd. be better & able for it."
|
|
13 |
Elgar writes to Troyte Griffith about a November concert by the Hanley Cauldon Vocal Society at the
Malvern Concert Club: "I don't think the fifty voices will be too much for the room if you can find space for the actual
bodies of the singers: they wd. of course be at one end of the room not IVtet-wise in the centre? It will be a great
thing to have the choir ... Anyhow fix up the concert & xxxx the expense. We must arrange a clinking programme for them.
We are all well except myself, who am ill: worse luck."
|
|
14 |
Wulstan Atkins recalls: "When [Ivor] Atkins went to Plas Gwyn Elgar told him all his ill health which
had arisen since they last met. They were in the form of prostrating headaches. After one of these attacks he was so
depressed that he threatened to abandon the work altogether. He seemed contented, however, now that Novello�s and the
Birmingham committee had agreed to a morning-only work. He was now re-planning it, and was considering calling it His
Kingdom. He said that some sketches would have to be put on one side, perhaps for a third work."
|
|
15 |
Hans Richter conducts In the South in London. Adrian Boult notes in his diary: "Fine LSO concert
with Richter. Elgar�s In the South received a magnificent performance, what a fine thing it is."
|
|
16 |
"E. a little better but head still bad - Dr. Collens came - Mr. [William] Higley came at 9.30 & sang
some of the new Apostle music very finely - quite carried away by it & thought it wd. be wonderful, he left before
lunch -"
|
|
17 |
"E. better & busy - A. to Malvern for Concert Club [Max Mossel Quartet and the pianist George Woodhouse]
... Not so exhilarating a concert as usual - Accompanyist spoilt Max Mossel�s Sonata"
|
|
18 |
Elgar writes to Dora Penny: "My dear Child, Many thanks for sending unworthy me your beautiful programme:
I have only found, with Troyte's help, fourteen mistakes. I hope all went well and you are happy over it. I should have
enjoyed myself - I am not saying anything about the concert - if I could have incogged* (!) myself into the Baths Assembly
Rooms for the occasion. My best benison on you and your Orchestra."
|
|
19 |
Hans Richter writes to Elgar: "My dear, dear friend, many thanks for your heart-felt telegramm which came
just before the concert ... I cannot remember a more successful and more eminent playing of the orchestra."
|
|
20 |
Elgar writes to Alice Stuart-Wortley: "I have written to Frank [Schuster] telling him I will come to him
on Friday: & of course I shall be delighted to accept your beautiful dinner - if Frank can have me. I am a hollow ghost -
I told him so - & he may not care to entertain such a thing: I only hope that, properly clothed, I don't look it."
|
|
21 |
Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "I have been waiting until things have definitely settled: I felt too
much �overdone' to think of completing the whole of this work: I have offered the first half and yesterday heard from Mr.
Beal - who has been away - that they are glad to do that much. Now will that still suit you? I wd. prefer not to do it but
it seems the only way to make things pleasant for everybody & so I suppose it must be done. I have heard from Cincinnati
[where Elgar had been invited to conduct at their Festival in May] & it is all settled aright: they ask me if I �carry'
scores & parts but I said nay & referred them to your firm."
|
|
22 |
"E. working very hard - chilly windy weather -"
|
|
23 |
"E. working hard better certainly - Snow & sleet no going out far." Wulstan Atkins recalls: "Real
progress had been made. Section1 and Section 2 �At the Beautiful gate� were now complete and a start had been made on
Section 3 Pentecost."
|
|
24 |
"Cold - no [bike] riding."
|
|
25 |
"Windy - E. writing fast - Mr. [Percy] Hull to tea - E. played to him, he was quite transported with
delight at the new music."
|
|
26 |
The pianist Fanny Davies gives a third performance of the Concert Allegro at the Midland Hall,
Manchester. "Gentlemen's Concert. Richter immensely delighted, she repeated it - She wrote an account of it from
Artist's room to E." Miss Davies wrote: "I must send this, for the Allegro has had such an enormous success tonight.
Richter said �It is as though Bach and Liszt had married each other!!!� He is going to telegraph to you. He got so
excited over it, he ran about crying �grossartig�, and said if I had to play again after the showpiece would I repeat
the Elgar! This very undemonstrative public had already had me back once again after it was first played so as they did
seem to want something else I replayed the Allegro, and they settled themselves down and on the second hearing got
stirred up and I (it!) had to go back again after it." And Richter also wrote to Alice: "Fanny Davies played � and
repeated � the Piano piece � A great work I like it - it is rather like a marriage between Bach and Liszt."
|
|
27 |
Elgar travels to London to stay with Frank Schuster: "... Was to dine with F. at the S. Wortleys & go
together to the Voysey-Inheritance" [which Granville Barker was producing at the Court Theatre].
|
|
28 |
"Good accounts from E. thankful to say - Very cold - Occupied with Electric light representative &
sorting music &c &c &c Ld. Northampton & Claude dined at Old Q. St. Much struck with E.�s idea of the First Fruits, the
first Converts to Christ - interesting visit.
|
|
March
7
Finland becomes first country to give women the vote, decreeing universal suffrage for citizens over 24, barring
those supported by state.
15
Rolls-Royce Ltd. is registered as a public company to produce motor cars and engines.
22
France loses its first rugby international ever played against England.
23
Birth of film star Joan Crawford.
26
New regulations in the U.S. Navy recognise the superiority of upper class men.
|
| March |
|
|
1 |
"E. & Frank dined at Lord Northampton's. Went to the Empire to see �Cinderella�."
|
|
2 |
Elgar returns to Plas Gwyn.
|
|
3 |
"E. beginning to look at his work again - but not much in the mood"
|
|
4 |
Elgar works on The Kingdom.
|
|
5 |
Frank Schuster arrives (with car and chauffeur) to stay at Plas Gwyn. "Liked the improvements to
Plas Gwyn (& the cooking & soap) and seemed very happy, as we were to see him."
|
|
6 |
Elgar writes to his father: "Home safely - Car goes like an angel"
|
|
7 |
Wulstan Atkins recalls: "On 7 March Atkins found Schuster staying with the Elgars. On this and the
next day, Elgar played over all the music so far written. Most of the third section was now written, but Elgar was
still working on it. Schuster and Atkins were thrilled."
|
|
8 |
Ivor Atkins writes to Elgar: "I thought yesterday evening�s new contribution simply magnificent. It is
going to be greater than the first part by a good deal. You are getting very wise in that cluse of yours, but even I am
amazed at some of that stuff. My eyes for all their tutoring get fairly opened now and then and those steadily built-up
climaxes are going to be tremendous."
|
|
9 |
"E. to Malvern to see if he cd. advise Miss Burley" Rosa Burley writes: "In the early months of 1906
I had a series of crushing troubles which, beginning with a disastrous series of epidemics at the school (hitherto free
from such things), ended in something very like a nervous breakdown for myself. In a few short weeks I saw everything
that I had built up collapse hopelessly and finally. I did not allow myself a nervous breakdown however. Realising that
the situation was quite hopeless, I closed the school and said good-bye to the children at the finish of the spring
term, visited a few old friends and by the end of May had taken up an appointment in Portugal."
|
|
10 |
"E. drefful headsache, longing to go on with his work but cd. not -"
|
|
11 |
"E. better & worked hard all day - E. wrote magnificently."
|
|
12 |
"Mr. Higley came & sang the great S. Peter Scene - Magnificent."
|
|
13 |
Elgar working on The Kingdom.
|
|
14 |
Elgar working on The Kingdom.
|
|
15 |
Elgar writes to August Littleton: "I explained, or rather Alice explained for me, to the Birmingham
people & they are willing to do the � of the new work: they will announce it when they think fit, but Beal said they
wd not refer to the length of the work &c. at present: but that is their affair."
|
|
16 |
Elgar working on The Kingdom.
|
|
17 |
Alice writes to Jaeger, who had made a few criticisms of The Kingdom: "Wait to judge of the new
work, & especially to remark to anyone on it, till you have heard E. play it - all those who have, & all those have been
real musicians think it the most original & greatest thing he has done. He is very very busy & has much to think of, &
so soon to start for America so please not remark on anything I have said - He is better I am thankful to say but the
strain of the work is very great for him & makes him very easily worried"
|
|
18 |
"Lovely day. E. & May [Grafton] rode to Belmont [Abbey} - E. so enjoyed being out & looked so
refreshed -"
|
|
19 |
A. busy preparing for guests - E. busy with his work. Frank Capper came after tea"
|
|
20 |
"Frank Capper left before lunch - Very nice to have him here. Very nice man."
|
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21 |
"A. going over house with Electric Mr. Harding to settle switches &c &c &c."
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22 |
E. working in morning. A. C. & May into town to try & decide on Electric Fittings. E. much better D.G."
|
|
23 |
Another with from Ivor Atkins. His son Wulstan recalls: "Atkins found that E had completed Section 3
and most of Section 4 "The Sign of Healing". They played it all over but had to break off as both had promised to go to
tea with "The Duchess" (Miss Underwood) and Miss Thomas. Who were giving one of their special parties. Sinclair and many
other old friends were there. As soon as they could they went back to Plas Gwyn and continued playing until supper, after
which A had to return to Worcester. He remembered being delighted with Peter�s solos Look on us and Ye men of Israel to
which E was putting the final touches."
|
|
24 |
"E. worked hard in evening at nearly the end of the S. Peter address - beautiful."
|
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25 |
E. & A. not out - E. finishing his scene S. Peter's address. & A. ruling &c all the available proofs.
[Mr. Littleton] thought the new music magnificent & suggested for title His Kingdom - wh. E. liked. Heavy snowstorm after
tea."
|
|
26 |
Elgar writes to Jaeger: "Dearie Moss: Your remarks about those two bars in the intro were quite right &
they were never intended to go in - they are altered now. It is easy(!) enough to write a melody - except the last two
bars: I am sure it is the difficulty of avoiding a 'barn-door' ending that has kept the modern school from symmetrical
melody. Meyerbeer is of course notorious for bad endings & Mendelssohn is almost as bad - or quite as bad in another way."
|
|
27 |
Elgar writes to Havergal Brian about Brian's setting of Psalm 137, By the Waters of Babylon: "I
find it very striking and original. The arrangement of the score is quite new in many places. The scoring is very good
and quite sufficient ... I congratulate you on the work and I hope I may hear it some day."
|
|
28 |
Elgar writes to Percy Pitt: "We are off to U.S.A. next Friday & I should like to wish you good luck
with your Birmingham work."
|
|
29 |
"E. to Birmingham - went to oculist Dr. Allport who ordered him fresh glasses."
|
|
30 |
A domestic day: "May [Grafton] returned & brought up C. to lunch. My dear Isabel [Fitton] came to
lunch - & stayed till 6.20 train - Lady Bridgford came to tea. Canon Dolman called."
|
|
31 |
E. & May after lunch, rode to meet Troyte but missed him -"
|
|
April
6
Mount Vesuvius sprays a column of fire 1,000 feet high.
11
Death of James Bailey, of Barnum & Bailey Circus. (Born July 4, 1847.)
12
Mark Twain speaks in favour of a Russian revolution at a dinner for Maxim Gorky.
13
Birth of the Irish playwright Samuel Beckett'
18
In San Francisco an earthquake destroys half the city.
26
A headmaster tells a House of Commons Select Committee that school meals are unnecessary.
|
| April |
|
|
1 |
"A. to Church at 8. E. & Troyte to Belmont & rode around - After lunch they had another ride -
E. & Troyte rode to Brinsop - with Dr. Sinclair - E. was much struck with the place, surrounded by a moat -
Remembrances of Wordsworth, also of Coleridge & Southey"
|
|
2 |
Elgar writes to Jaeger, who is still ill: "I cannot tell you how sad your news has made us: I hope &
pray all may soon be brighter. In the hurry of departure I can say no more."
|
|
3 |
"Mr. Wilson came soon after 12 & went through new work [The kingdom] - Immensely impressed,
thought it finer than what had gone before."
|
|
4 |
"Busy with preparations. Packed plate chest. May took it to the Bank - E. to Worcester after lunch to
see his Father - Tried to write a Code for communication at Dinner time" [which included] "Anemone = we are all
well & everything all right"
|
|
5 |
Wulstan Atkins recalls: "Atkins bicycled over. Elgar rode out to meet him and they did �raid a village�
or so before lunch and again afterwards. This time the Elgars were looking forward to their American visit."
|
|
6 |
"Quiet comfortable start - C. came with us to station - May very tearful - C. a little pale but quite
composed - though I know her heart was very full - Omnibus met us at Lime St. Liverpool - & took us to Landing stage -
Luggage put down amidst a crowd, extraordinary that it all turned up safely. Soon went on board. Comfortable cabin.
A. unpacked & then went on deck to E. they walked & walked & at last came to get ready for dinner. Ship well on way.
God grant all good."
|
|
7 |
"Most lovely morning bright sunshine & buoyant air - Gulls in hundreds - the afternoon before E. bounded
up & A. followed a stairway to stop a horrid boy shooting at them with a catapult. 'Stop that' he shouted, & called him
an �abominable scoundrel", & A. sd something too."
|
|
8 |
"Grey & warm rather rainy. E. finds it dull - A. sat out & read & read - Very comfortable ship, only
needs some congenial spirits to talk to"
|
|
9 |
"Grey & windy, nice air. Had to have chair on other deck for wind - Seabaths very nice - Seen no ship
or dolphins &c yet - only 2 or 3 gulls"
|
|
10 |
"Windy but beautiful Sunshine. Very rough as the day went on. The waves were splendid. E. found a nice
sheltered place where we cd. stand out of the wind & watch. Gorgeous sight. Crested waves like snow mountains, flying
rainbows, bars & ponds of Emerald. Wonderful sight. Towards Evening very rough & ship rolled at night. We were often
awoke by things trying to scramble on the floor"
|
|
11 |
"Rather calmer as the day went on, but blowy & gray. Still rough - No Dolphins, or ships to be seen"
|
|
12 |
"Rather rough still & ship still rolling. Gray & murky in the afternoon, gloomy & unenjoyable looking
- read & read - E. slept a good deal in aftn."
|
|
13 |
Alice send a post-card to her cousin: "So glad to have your letter & hope to write from Cincinnati.
We have had some very rough weather & today it is very cold, we have been very well I am glad to say but it has not
been so enjoyable as in warm sunny weather. We hope to arrive in N. York, on Sunday, A.M - & I think must be in C. on
Wednesday"
|
|
14 |
"Nice sunny morning, colder as day went on - Sat out - E. played great games on deck - A. packed &c
luggage ordered to be out of cabin that Evening & breakfast to be at 7 A.M.!"
|
|
15 |
"E. awoke with a headache - Sight of preparations to start - He breakfasted soon after 7.30. A. refused
to hurry & breakfasted with late people. Very wet & thick fog. Ship crept on slowly. Did not reach wharf till after 11
Dear Gaffer there to meet us. Overpoweringly hot & close. He took E. for turn in the car, A.
walked up to the Cathedral for a few minutes. Judge & Mrs. Townsend, W. & F. Damrosch & their wives & Mrs. Worthington
to dinner. All so delighted to see us. W. Damrosch too noisy - Very hot & tired - E. played when all but Mrs. W. were
gone to her & Gaffer -"
|
|
16 |
Alice writes to Carice: "Darling � a few line to tell you we are here all safes. The dear Prof. met us
with beaming face, so protective, & after a little time came on here � Quite sorry to say goodbye to our special little
party, we had very interesting talks to Mr. Thompson-Seton, whose books you know about animals � It seemed frightfully
hot yesterday after the sea, I felt nearly overcome by it � the house is lovely, something like Mr. Schuster�s, I mean
in being quite individual, & Mr. Horsburgh cd. not find anythg. that was not beautiful in it. He is more than dear &
kind & has got our tickets & arranged our journey, we are to have a drawing room on the train wh. turns into a sleeping
room, & are to leave at 6 P.M, or thereabouts & hope to arrive at C. tomorrow about 1.25."
|
|
17 |
"Arrd. all safely D.G., about 1. Van der Stucken & Mr. L. Maxwell met us, crowds of reporters &
photographers. E. not very gracious. Brought up to Country Club in Mr. Smidlapp�s Car - Nice airy house - Mr. Maxwell
lunched with us & seemed very happy about Fest. prospects. Left us to rest -"
|
|
18 |
"Mr. Maxwell & Mr. Smidlapp called at 8.30! E. not quite dessed - Arranged we shd. dine at Mr. S.'s
close by & go to Rehearsal - Miss V. der Stucken called & stayed to lunch, nice na�ve German child, adoring E. & a
little A. too - Then people called & called - Mrs. Taft, Mrs. Fleischmann, Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Longworth &c &c &c.
Lovely house Mr. S.�s & pleasant time there, sister in law & husband. Mr. & Mrs. Curler very nice. Then rehearsal. Chorus
knew their parts but very unpoetical & not as if they understood the words. E. very kind & good - back late & very
difficult to get any food for him."
|
|
19 |
"E. began to orchestrate his new work" "I would write �A Music that seems never to have known Dismay,
nor haste, nor wrong -� (Bliss Carmern) in Cincinnati April 1906 E.E"
|
|
20 |
Alice writes to Carice: "It is inexpressibly dirty. The house is beautifully kept, but I only wore my
white linen dress this morning in the house & it is black � It is so hot, I wish I had more cool clothes. I am so
thankful we cannot see the hideousness from here, it nearly makes me cry, & looking across to Kentucky on the other
side of the river wh. might be nice but the water all dirty the roads are dreadful, such holes, one is hurled about
in the car wh. is a beautiful one, closed happily as the dust is so horrid, at night it has electric light inside �"
|
|
21 |
"Parish Priest called, E. argued hotly with him - Walked across to Club about 10.15. E. back to his
Orchestn. A. found cooler white dress. The Evening was most unpleasant, noisy rowdy sounding people man whistling loudly,
most exasperating, E. cd. not write, noisy party dining. We went down & E. expressed himself forcibly about the noise
&c, we were disgusted. Ordered dinner in our room & went to bed Early. E. much disturbed by noises. About 1 - 2 men
came up laughing loudly & talking & throwing boots onto floor &c - disgusting -"
|
|
22 |
"E. woke with bad headache. A. made him tea Early, he lay quiet & improved a little. Out of the question
to attempt to move. House quiet, many motors & golfers on the Links E. hard at work orchestrating."
|
|
23 |
"9.00 am The Apostles Full Orchestra, 7.30 pm The Apostles Full Orchestra & Chorus"
|
|
24 |
"11.00 am In the South & Allegro pm Gerontius Chorus"
|
|
25 |
"9.00 am Gerontius Full Orchestra 7.30 pm Gerontius Full Orchestra & Chorus"
|
|
26 |
"About 7.15 the Koehlers fetched us & Mrs. Worthington for Dr. & Mrs. C. Holmes' dinner party.
Lovely table all white lilac & white sweetpeas - E. took Mrs. Holmes & Dr. H. A. 22 people - Mr. Maxwell sat next A.
& thought E. shd leave early but he liked it all & wd. not think of leaving, so we were not back till after 1 -"
|
|
27 |
Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "Letter recd. no music yet. All well here but hot. Dreadfully busy."
|
|
28 |
"E. had a great day at his Orchestration, walked for some hours - Had a little turn with A. late but it
was so hot & close - & exhausting, E. & A. & Mrs. Worthington in aftn to Rehearsal, Allegro first & E. had hard work -
they did not seem to care to play it. Then he was much tried by Soprano & Witherspoon not knowing their parts & A. felt
he was irritated but still it was wonderful & frightfully affecting. E. quite annoyed with Rehearsal. We came straight
back in clouds of dust & lightning going on - Found the dinner party still going on."
|
|
29 |
Death of Elgar�s father. His sister Lucy recalls the years since their mother's death: "Our sole care
now was for the dear, dear broken-hearted Father, who lived on in great feebleness for four years � but we each one did
what we could to brighten his days and make his heart joyous in spite of the loneliness and heartache which must come
after the separation of such companionship they had felt in each other � for the plant does not die, though its flowers
be broken off, it remembers that Spring will surely come again � which means, he was waiting for the �happy re-union� �
And now they rest side by side in the �Garden of Sleep�"
|
|
30 |
"Mrs. Kelsey came about 11 to rehearse with E. then Mr. Witherspoon then Mr. Clark who had lunch with
us & went thro� his part with E. Then at 4. E. went to rest - Then for full rehearsal of Gerontius, very fairly good.
We had a little dinner with the dear Koehlers before the rehearsal & a pleasant little supper with them at the Queen
City Club after it, & then back in the Automobile & Mrs. W. with us -"
|
|
May
19
Portugal's King Carlos I appoints Joao Franco prime mininster with dictatorial powers to purge political opposition.
22
The last British soldiers leave Canada after the occupation of 1858.
23
The dramatist Henrik Ibsen dies.
|
| May |
|
|
1 |
Elgar hears that his father had died two days previously. Alice writes to Carice: "This morning we had a
cable telling about yr. Grandfather, we were truly thankful to heard all was peace � when the end came � We think about
May dear as she was so much with him � we cannot at all bear to think of you in black. White with a little black, or if
you like a black skirt you cd. get one �
|
|
2 |
Elgar conducts a performance of The Apostles in Cincinnati. Janet Spencer replaces Louise Homer
who was suffering from shock after being in the San Francisco earthquake two weeks earlier.
|
|
3 |
Elgar conducts In the South The concert also includes music by Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann,
Marschner and Loeffler.
|
|
4 |
"Came down to Concert rather late. Missed the Children's Cantata - Went to the Queen's Club to the
Fleischmanns' Supper after Concert."
|
|
5 |
Elgar conducts the Introduction and Allegro at an afternoon concert, and in the evening conducts
Gerontius. Frank van der Stucken conducts Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in the second half.
|
|
6 |
Time to leave Cincinatti: "A. in bed all day very unwell. Maid helped her pack - better towards Evening
& finished packing &c -" The bill for their stay is $190.58.
|
|
7 |
"E. & A. & Mrs. Worthington left 'the Country Club' about 8 or so. Met Mr. Gray who took charge of us.
Mr. L. Maxwell to see us off - Very proud & jubilant & admiring of E. Started for Niagara - Played Solo Whist. Mr. Gray
secured the State room all to ourselves - Pleasant journey arr. at Buffalo & had tiresome wait there & on arriving at
unpleasing Hotel, at 11 or 11-30 went for walk & saw Falls the American side & went on Bridge looking over river. Lovely
night. at last to bed -"
|
|
8 |
"Started about 9.30 - & drove to Falls, most most wonderful. Then down by lift & went underneath - &
looked out at occasional openings & saw the marvellous rush of green waters - & mist - E. impressed too. Then drove down
to Whirlpool & down in funicular kind of railway to level & walked on & saw the masses of raging water in narrow Channel
- Then to Goats Island & the Seven Sister Islands. All very beautiful & wonderful to be so level with river ourselves.
No description can convey what it is - We felt we shd like to come again & stay on the Canada side with C. & May. Caught
sight of immense lake Eerie from rail arriving. Left for N.Y. 12.35? arr. 10 P.M. at Gaffer's. Windy Solo Whist on
journey.
|
|
9 |
"Unpacked & did not do much - Very hot."
|
|
10 |
Horatio Parker notes in his diary: "Din to Elgar, beautiful dinner."
|
|
11 |
Alice send a postcard to Jaeger: "You will like to hear the Festival was a most satisfying success &
E.'s works made the most profound impression. People were so nice & most welcoming & hospitable. We hope to sail on 18th.
& soon to hear good news of you. The Prof is to sail very soon too. Do you know 1200 people stood on the Gerontius night
in the Hall - It was a wonderful sight Best of greetings, E. is out or wd. send love."
|
|
12 |
Evening Scene receives its first performance at the Morecambe Festival. Berrows Worcester Journal
reports: "One of the test pieces was an altogether masterly part song, written for the festival by Sir Edward Elgar.
�An Evening Scene� is a landscape in tones, as tenderly expressive as a Corot or a Whistler. The dreamy mood of a summer
evening, the stillness broken only by the tinkle of a sheep-bell or the screech of an owl, is conveyed by means as
expressive as, and naturally more distinctively musical than, Hegar�s grim part song �The Phantom Host�, also specially
composed. The drowsy, lazy atmosphere of the piece was perhaps capable of even closer realisation, but its extreme
delicacy was perfectly reproduced by each of the five choirs that survived the preliminary rounds and sang it. The Barrow
choir, conducted by a lady, was placed first."
|
|
13 |
Very hot & oppressive. E. & A. to Church at 10 - Jeanette Cholmeley-Jones & Miss Gilder came to tea - Curious dress & appearance of Miss Gilder - The Prof. & E. & A. to dine at Claremont with the Walter Damroschs - Motored up - rather cooler there & Walter D. nice to talk to -
|
|
14 |
"... went to dine at Mr. Carnegie�s - fine large house but very dull & very common place dinner & ugly
dinner table. He spoke very excitedly & effusively about E. he took A. in, it was a party to E. Very dull altogether.
We rejoiced to escape -"
|
|
15 |
"Very hot. E. out a good deal - After lunch A. in lovely carriage to call at the Carnegies, Damroschs &c
drove about the Park. Lovely Westeria & flowering shrubs - In Evening to dine with the dear Townshends at Astoria Hotel.
Wonderful flowers, about 26 guests - All in honour of E. Prest. & Mrs. Hadley - an interesting man sat by A. who had been
in Jameson's raid & friend of C. Rhodes - Nigger minstrels distracting"
|
|
16 |
"Very hot - & in aft. E. & A. went to Mrs. Worthington tea party at Carnegie Hall & in Evening to dine
with Mr. & Lady Evelyn Baring Very nice to see them, small party 8. Mr. de Cottenet there -"
|
|
17 |
"E. went to meet the Philc. Socy. Dr. Damrosch made lovely speech about him. Dined at Lafayette�s in
Evening - Mr. Gray & Mrs. Worthington there, we fetched Mrs. W. Very very hot. Good little orch. who played S. d'Amour"
|
|
18 |
The Elgars board the "Celtic". Elgar writes to Carice: "Home soon. Love Faser."
|
|
19 |
"Very hot, damp heavy air - Very uninteresting people we thought on board"
|
|
20 |
"Still hot - Began to speak to the Webers who were at the Captn�s table with us -"
|
|
21 |
"Began to be wet & cooler - E. dreadfully bored - No shovel board & no one to talk to -"
|
|
22 |
"Voyage all much the same. A. took refuge in reading Monte Cristo & Vingt ans apr�s -"
|
|
23 |
"Rain fog &c &c"
|
|
24 |
"Fog all the time -"
|
|
25 |
Elgar writes to Carice: "Duckseye: In case this does reach you early our plans are to try & leave
Liverpool at 2.50 on Sunday arriving at Hereford at 7.5 in the evening. We may not be able to telegraph so you might
walk round to the station if fine: the Captain says we should arrive at about 10 on Sunday am but it is now raining &
misty (oh! my child) & a fog would delay us: & if we are delayed, I suppose no telegram would get to Hereford on Sunday:
so there you are."
|
|
26 |
The Worcester Herald reports: "Sir Edward Elgar, accompanied by Lady Elgar, arrived at Queenstown on
Saturday night on board the Celtic from New York. Sir Edward had been to Cincinnati conducting several of his own works
art the great musical festival recently held in that city. He said the festival was a great success artistically as well
as financially, and he hoped to revisit the United States next year."
|
|
27 |
"Reached Liverpool through thick fog, but landed exactly at the name "Celtic" on the Wharf - Lovely
afternoon - Country looked beautiful Caught the 3.5 train, crossing the ferry to Birkenhead - Late in the afternoon,
the train stopped at every station after Shrewsbury, the Church bells sounded so sweet & lovely sounding across fields
as we stopped at the little country stations. E. & A. loved it all Found all well D.G."
|
|
28 |
"Busy unpacking &c - C. & May so pleased with their presents. E. seemed well - but not in tune for his
work -"
|
|
29 |
"Each day E. so unwell - & quite unfit for his work -"
|
|
30 |
"The same."
|
|
31 |
Alice writes to Charles Beddoe: "I hope you will excuse my troubling you but I am writing to you as
Chairman of the Green Dragon Hotel Co. The reason is this. I went myself this morning, making quite an exception in going
myself, to inquire regarding rooms for the Festival week for a friend of ours from America, my inquiries however were
received with such discourtesy that I could not think of attempting to pursue the subject. Could you kindly advise me
if it wd. be possible to obtain an opinion from some more responsible authority as to a chance of securing a set of
rooms �"
|
|
June
7
The world's largest and fastest passenger liner, Cunard's Lusitania, is launched in Glasgow.
9
325 British warships prepare for a mock battle.
22
Birth of Billy Wilder, the American film director.
23
In London the Prime Minister sees a deputation of suffragettes.
24
Police in Rome discover a plot to kill King Victor Emmanuel and Queen Helena of Italy.
|
| June |
|
|
1 |
"E. dreadful headache Dr. Sinclair came to lunch -"
|
|
2 |
"His dearest birthday. Very unwell in bed nearly all day."
|
|
3 |
"E. very unwell - Mr. & Mrs. Littleton to tea - E. dreadful headache -"
|
|
4 |
Charles Beale writes from Birmingham about The Kingdom: "We have a General Committee on Monday
at which the title of the
new work should be announced. Will you please send me a line not later than Sunday to Maple Bank. As to the bass singers,
we have engaged Black, F. Davies, Higgledy & Dalton Baker � I am told that Black is coming back & thank one can rely on
him so I assume he will sing �Judas� again. The chorus are taking their music seriously & I think with great interest.
Several of them have spoken to me of their delight in it."
|
|
5 |
"E. very unwell -"
|
|
6 |
Alice writes to Jaeger: "I trust E. will be well again in a day or two but it is so hindering for him &
he gets so worried. So that we must not hurry him or any thing - I do trust all the work will be finished before long &
then he can recuperate Meanwhile I prevent anythg. possible from worrying him."
|
|
7 |
Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton about the title of the new oratorio: "Many thanks: well 'The Kingdom'
be it. I am glad Jaeger will do the analysis ..."
|
|
8 |
The composer Joseph Holbrooke writes to Elgar: "If you can allow me, I want to put your name on my best
work (in my opinion!) �The Bells�. I feel that you have been a good friend to me, and would like to assure you of my
feelings."
|
|
9 |
"Lovely day - Dr. Collens recommended change to New Radnor for E. had Connelly car & started going to
enjoy drive much but about 7 miles out, spring broke & we had to return."
|
|
10 |
"Lovely very hot day - E. began to have bad cold & dreadful headache in Evening. Dr. & Mrs. Collens to
tea. Troyte arrived to tea too - just escaping thunder storm - A. much worried Troyte left E. bad cold &c."
|
|
11 |
"Lovely very hot day. A. & May left at 12.30 Found our way to house, & went over it & walked about -
Liked the scenery & quiet & air. Decided to take house & come perhaps next day. Returned 5.50 train."
|
|
12 |
"E. very porsley, still with a cold & unfit for anythg. Dr. Collens came & insisted on our starting. E.
& A. left by 3.30 train Dragon - A. very anxious to know how he wd. like it. Heart sank beyond words, but he did not
mind it, & took to it all quite kindly. dreadful headache - Lay & rested. A. unpacked &c -"
|
|
13 |
"Cold & East wind, house cold, stone floor dining room. A. much worried about E. At night cold &
inclination to cough, kept awake long by it -"
|
|
14 |
H Chapman writes to Elgar about the recent performance of The Apostles in King's College: May I,
as Hon. Sec. to Dr. Mann�s Festival Chorus, express to you the unbounded pleasure it has given us all to participate in
rendering this most lovely work under such good conditions. The grand old chapel, splendid soloists, and trainer &
conductor we all love, and a chorus determined to do all in their power, to give a fine rendering of such a magnificent
work. I have been connected with music in the town, & have taken an active interest in it now for 25 years, & I am
certain that no performance has nearly raised the enthusiasm & excitement as that of the �Apostles�."
|
|
15 |
Mina Beresford, wife of Admiral Charles Beresford, writes to Elgar: "I am going out to join �Surprise�
in Spain & we shall be in Adriatic in August & probably do Greece again, anyhow Corfu & so forth. Why not come out again,
anytime between now and end of October."
|
|
16 |
"Very grey, East wind & very cold - Too bad for E. to be out."
|
|
17 |
Elgar writes for Arthur Benson: "One of the Lay clerks, a bass singer, of Hereford Cathedral died (while
I was away) - a good, worthy man, a communicant & as good a fellow as you could wish in a hearty, English fashion. He
leaves a widow & six children penniless, but that does not concern you at all or me for the moment. The organists are
getting up a sort of recital & the choirs will sing. I tried to write (music, not words) a trifle to shew my appreciation
of the man & his office; as a singer daily �before the Lord�. But it came to nothing & the recital will not have my
wished for �word�, but could you not write (always provided you feel moved to it) a poem - a few verses for such an
occasion: there may be such a thing but I could find nothing; the fellowship in choirs amongst people of good feeling
& culture is great; could not we give them something to sing in memory of one of themselves when removed from earthly
singing?"
|
|
18 |
Elgar leaves a note for Carice: "Old Radnor - GONE - cd. not wait - splendid church - (pigsney) Faser"
|
|
19 |
"E. in bed with shocking cold began to improve about 11 - & gradually got better. Came down to tea.
A. dreadfully worried. A. found white spot in throat. Dr. Harding (not very pleasing to E. & A. though sd. to be the
kindest man) came to see it & said a gargle wd. take it away so relieved anxiety. E. continued to improve all the
Evening."
|
|
20 |
"E. very porsley all morning but began a little composing. After lunch thought he wd. like to go on
with it. A. & Mary went up just under Wimble, lovely mists floating about. On returning after tea found E. ready to
come out & walked as far as Jack Green with him & he was not tired E. wrote a quantity of letters, cleared up a mass
of things - before lunch -"
|
|
21 |
"E. certainly better. Worked all the morning. After lunch went for a ride but returned before long hot
& tired ... E. for another ride after tea & came in better. After dinner played his new introduction - D.G."
|
|
22 |
Alice send a post-card to Jaeger: "I know you will like to have a line to say E. is much better today
& has been working hard & I hear a lovely tune - I do trust he will keep well now, it has been a dreadfully worrying
time & he has worried so much over it so it is better not to write about it to him"
|
|
23 |
The Worcester Herald notes: "Part of Sir Edward Elgar�s new composition has been rehearsed by
Birmingham Festival Choral Society, but not enough to warrant any remark even by way of description."
|
|
24 |
Arthur Benson write to Elgar: "Your idea for the poem is a beautiful one � very touching indeed � I
will try what I can do - it will need thought, & I am rusty with verse, having taken to what Dryden calls �that other
melody of prose� �"
|
|
25 |
"Dreadful morning, for going out in to the garden after breakfast E. slipped on wet stones with his
deck shoes on & bark his shoulder & knee - Dreadful to see him in such pain - Decided to return that afternoon ... Went
to bed early the Dr. sd. nothing was broken D.G. dreadfully miserable cd. not move in bed, the shock so upsetting to him."
|
|
26 |
"E. in bed till Evening. Very wretched & in pain & ill from shock - Nurse Parkinson came for Massage."
|
|
27 |
"E. a shade better - came down but very wretched - more massage -"
|
|
28 |
"E. somewhat better much massage &c."
|
|
29 |
Elgar writes to Benson: "All thanks for yours, they must wait a little though. I had a bad fall on the
wet stones & am, temporarily, minus one arm & one leg & much brain! Nothing broken, & only a question of rest."
|
|
30 |
"E. better & writing ... C. to High School to the prize giving - Gained one also for best collection
of pressed flowers - Very peased."
|
|
July
7
A New York court rules that George Bernard Shaw's play Mrs. Warren's Profession is fit for performance.
8
In the Wimbledon tennis finals Hugh Doherty beats Frank Risely and Dorothea Douglass beats May Sutton.
15
In Britain Parliament votes to create a special ministry for Wales.
26
In St. Petersburg Revolutionaries blow up bridges and plan for a general strike.
27
In New York two bombs dropped into a meeting of plumbers union.
|
| July |
|
|
1 |
"E. not out but better & busy with his writing."
|
|
2 |
"E. better. Chilly grey day. E. & A. in Connelly Motor, called for Mr. Littleton & took him to Madley &
Abbey Dore. E. going on well with his writing. D.G."
|
|
3 |
Elgar writes to Jaeger: "My dear Nim: I am better but cannot bend my knee yet!"
|
|
4 |
"E. & C. motored to Kilpeck & took Sarah -"
|
|
5 |
S H Church, Andrew Carnegie's Private Secretary, writes to Elgar: "The new Carnegie Institute Pittsburgh
is to be dedicated with interesting public ceremonies on Thursday, April 11th, 1907. President Roosevelt has informed the
Trustees that he will be glad to attend if the exigencies of public business at that time will permit, and the occasion
will be distinguished by the presence of many other men who have won fame in doing the world's work in the various
departments of science, art, literature and statesmanship, not only from this country but from other parts of the
world. Your name has long been on our list as one who should be invited to attend this dedication, and the Trustees of
the Institute direct me to say that they would feel highly honored to have you come to Pittsburgh at that time."
|
|
6 |
"E. often with his darling baby swallows."
|
|
7 |
"Mrs. Worthington arrived at 5. E. met her in the Connelly car & brought her up, after tea went for a
little round taking A. Lovely afternoon."
|
|
8 |
Alice writes to Alice Kilburn: "What a time since we have written or heard from you, but I know you
will lenient towards us as Edward has been so occupied with his new work & then we were away in America & he was so very
unwell after our return & we were again absent for change for him & then he had a horrid fall just before our return
from Wales & hurt his shoulder & knee & has been quite laid up. He is much better I am thankful to say & I hope will
soon lose all the ill effects ... Some of the new work is overwhelmingly appealing & convincing."
|
|
9 |
"A. took Mrs. Worthington into town all the morning, saw the Cathedral - E. took her a little walk in
afternoon -"
|
|
10 |
"Mrs. Worthington left at 9.50? - E. hard at work - Most surprised when the Professor appeared after
dinner -"
|
|
11 |
S H Church writes again to Elgar: "Delighted to receive your letter. The pamphlet I sent you gives the
general programme as far as it can be forecasted at this time. There will be three days of celebration � the principal
event being the dedication of the new building on the first day. I hope you will come."
|
|
12 |
"E. very hard at work finishing his great Scene. The Prof. came up to say goodbye in the morning & Dr.
Sinclair & someone from Warwick - came too."
|
|
13 |
"E. very busy finishing his great Soprano Scene - very fine & wonderful -"
|
|
14 |
Elgar writes to Troyte Griffith: "Just off to Schuster for a day."
|
|
15 |
A"t Hut - Rather grey day. Walked in garden almost all the morning. After lunch E. played "The Kingdom"
to Frank, Claude, S. Wortleys, they were immensely impressed. Alice sd. she cd. hear nothing after it, all sounded
foolish & not worth doing. After tea Frank took E. & A. in motor to the Fisheries. Lady Radnor had just gone out.
Walked about the garden watched boats on the river & the lovely Clievedon Woods - Crowds at Boulter's Lock. Barry
drove dreadfully fast. Heaven preserve F. from accident."
|
|
16 |
"At Hut. finer day - E. looked much more rested. He, C. S. Wortley & Mr. Connel left by 10.3 train -
A. to Academy met at Paddington home by 4.45 train Dragon E. drefful toothache. Found all well D.G."
|
|
17 |
Elgar writes to Rosa Burley: "The world seems very old to me now and all changed. I had a horrid chill
coming from America and have been very very ill. It seems so curious I don't smoke now! Can you believe it! I cannot,
but I have no wish for it. All you say about Faro is most interesting to me: Tell me if you think of staying any time or
if it is only a temporary visit."
|
|
18 |
"E. very hard at work & not out beyond garden -"
|
|
19 |
"E. very hard at work not out much beyond garden -"
|
|
20 |
"Mr. Higley to lunch. Then sang the S. Peter part in 'The Kingdom'. Most beautiful to hear. Dr. Sinclair
came up & heard some too & was much impressed - Mr. Higley & Sinclair left after tea -"
|
|
21 |
Elgar writes to Jaeger: "I am just completing the final revision of my notes sketches: the whole thing
is intentionally less mystic than the Apostles:- the men are alive & working & the atmosphere is meant to be more direct
& simple (mixed sentence but you will gather what I mean). But we will have a talk one day - I hope to be in town at
the end of this week - possibly - & will try to arrange to see you if it be possible for you."
|
|
22 |
"E. & A. & C. in Connelly car to Belmont. May rode - Lovely morning. Returned by Haywood Lodge lovely
views. E. busy finishing his work - Mr. & Mrs. Littleton after tea & stayed some time -"
|
|
23 |
"E. really finished the Composing of his beautiful work - Most thankful. He went for a walk with May
in P.M. Very happy Evening - Most thankful -"
|
|
24 |
Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "I was so very sorry to put you off the other day, but Sanford suddenly
proposed himself & two others for dinner: the old dear fellow arrd. the evening before we expected him & I had to knock
off work. Now I have finished except some scoring."
|
|
25 |
"A. & C. to High-School. Prize giving. Weary speeches of Bishop & Oxford College Lady - Carice had prize
for German & French & a certificate." But sadly, a letter from Miss Hobbs soon arrived for Carice: "Dear Carice, I find
that the two Prizes were given you in error; will you kindly return them at once?"
|
|
26 |
"Very hot day. E. at Langham - To Novellos at 10 - Lunched with Caruso, Tosti & Maurel"
|
|
27 |
Alice writes to the Windflower: "I am thankful & rejoiced to tell you that Edward has finished all the
composing of his work, & is now away for 2 or 3 days for a break - I hope he will not get tired over the rest of the
Orchestration - The end is most wonderful so intensely solemn & appealing - He was looking so well & so lighthearted now
such a burden was lifted, I do wish you could see him in other than over wrought & over worn states - but I hope you
will next time you meet -"
|
|
28 |
Elgar writes to Jaeger: "The weather was so uncertain that I came back & am on my way home, so please
send any proofs &c. (today & onwards) to Plas Gwyn."
|
|
29 |
Jaeger writes to Elgar: "I have just spent an hour over the Scene 'The Arrest' which is perfectly
beautiful & wonderful."
|
|
30 |
Elgar writes to Jaeger: "I am delighted to get your cheery card saying that the Soliloquy is good."
|
|
31 |
"E. hard at work all the morning. In the aftn. had a walk with C. to the old bridge in the fields,
they came very happy with many flowers."
|
|
August
5
Birth of the U.S. film director John Huston.
11
In France, the first patent for talking films is issued to Eugene Lauste.
23
The Czar of Russia declares his intenttion to sell 20 million acres to Russian peasants.
25
In St. Petersburg, an assassin's bomb kills 28 people, and injures Prime Minister Stolypin and 33 others.
|
| August |
|
|
1 |
Elgar writes to Canon Gorton: "Here is the libretto: It deals with Jerusalem only: I called it Part I
but the festival people & the publishers think it better to let its scope go unannounced. My scheme was - Pt I: The
Church in Jerusalem. Pt II: (still to be written) The Church in the world.
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2 |
"Very hot & sultry. A. into town to see Silver Sale - Saw Claret jug, Indian, she wanted very muss. "
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3 |
"E. very hard at work all the morning. After lunch went to Sale in town - E. bought the Indian silver
Claret jug A. wanted so muss, & 2 Sheffield plate hand candlesticks very nice - &c &c &c - A. so peased."
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4 |
"E. very hard at work - Mr. Hewitt of the "Outlook" U.S.A. came at 10 to take his photograph for the
periodical - quite a nice man - refined & eager, told E. he began by sweeping snow in streets."
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5 |
"E. made great progress with his work - up in spare room on account of dreadfully shrieking parrot.
Wrote to next house & complained - Curious letter in return."
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6 |
"Lovely day E. hard at work - parrot was removed - Unfriendly spirit exorcised glad to think"
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7 |
Elgar writes to Jaeger: "Herewith pp 117-168 full score please send a wire! In haste, Yours ever, Edward
(I scored 70 pages in the week)"
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8 |
"Very hot. E. not out of garden. Progressing prodigiously"
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9 |
"Lovely day - E. finished up to 200 pages - D.G."
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10 |
"A. long shopping time in town - E. & C. for long walk came back entranced with Callow, Aconbury &c.
C. found rare plant Elecampane -"
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11 |
"Lovely day - E. very hard at work - To Mrs. Capper's garden party in aftn. E. came - causing much
excitement."
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12 |
Ivor Atkins writes to Elgar: "How does Lady Elgar with her scoring? Truly she is a valiant lady: who
else would tackle the laying-on of such Leviathan scores? Your work seems light in comparison. There, if you like, is
the power behind the throne!"
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13 |
"May [Grafton] returned 5 train Dragon - Glad to have May again -"
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14 |
Elgar writes to Carice: "Gander On her sixteenth (!) Birthday From her affectionate ????? Parents"
Wulstan Atkins recalls: "Carice was 16 on 14 August, and according to my mother, rather thin and lanky at this time."
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15 |
"Heard Moss [Jaeger] cd. not finish Analysis - very concerned. rather tired after long day."
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16 |
"Showery day - E. badsley headache - A. & May to Bryngwyn Garden party in Connelly motor - lovely
drive - nice party & lovely gardens" Jakeman and Carver's 1902 Directory of Herefordshire describes it thus: "The
magnificent mansion of Bryngwyn is delightfully situated on an eminence commanding one of the most extensive views in
Herefordshire, and perhaps one of the finest landscapes in England. The house is built in the Domestic Gothic style of
architecture, from the designs of F. R. Kempson, Esq., F.I.B.A, of Herford. The park is extensive and finely wooded,
and the pleasure grounds are beautifully arranged."
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17 |
"E. muss better & working. Heard Moss wd. conclude Analysis ... Hennypenny sitting again So wrote to
the Cuddons & sd. cd. not capture her - a reprieve for our dear hennypenny."
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18 |
Proof correcting.
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19 |
Elgar writes to Troyte Griffith: "Hurrah! By all means let me have four more shares at 25/- I�ll send
you the dibs anytime."
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20 |
"For lovely Motor drive - Burghill, Mornington, walked about there & had tea, then to Bredwardine &
Eardisley & so home -"
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21 |
Wulstan Atkins recalls: "Atkins went over in the afternoon and they walked until tea. Then Elgar
played over the new work. The soprano solo, 'The Sun goeth down', affected Atkins very deeply. After dinner they got
down to the main purpose of the visit, namely, the correcting of the proofs. Since Atkins' last visit Elgar, finding a
flow of visitors to Alice distracting when he was working desperately to complete The Kingdom, had turned a bedroom next
to his dressing-room into an upstairs study. His main study on the ground floor was adjacent to Alice's drawing-room,
and by no means sound-proof because of the French windows from both rooms on to the veranda. Elgar gave over the
upstairs study to Atkins to check the vocal score, while he retired to his dressing-room to deal with the string parts."
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22 |
"Glad of a rest - Very hot. Ivor left about 2.30 - E. worked in his dressing room, & Ivor in the
'Spare Study� -"
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23 |
Very hot & lovely - After tea E. & A. & C. & May to the Clyst E. & they played tennis & then E. to
dine at Dr. Sinclair's. Mr. Hull there & studied Apostles Score &c &c &c"
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24 |
Alice writes to Alice Kilburn in Bishop Auckland: "We have just recd. a nice packet of tickets which
brings the Fest. very vividly before our minds & seem to bring the great pleasure of seeing you both, delightfully near.
Now which train will you come by on Saturday 8 Sept. so that we may meet you & bring you triumphantly here? Forgive such
haste, I am longing for you & Mr. Kilburn to hear some of �The Kingdom�."
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25 |
"Expecting Mr. Jaeger to go through analysis at 5. A. met"
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26 |
"Mr. Jaeger far from well."
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27 |
"A. took Mr. Jaeger a drive, Dragon. Called at Lugwardine Rectory. Lovely afternoon - Mr. J. slightly
better."
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28 |
"Mr. Jaeger had lumbago very poorly. E. persuaded to stay another day."
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29 |
"Mr. Jaeger left corridor train"
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30 |
Elgar's old golfing companion, Jarge Jones, writes: "I can�t rest until I have said how much I value
your latest endeavour. I am no judge of the art of music, of for that, of any other art, but I do know when I come upon
some soul inspiring treasure - and that is what I found yesterday when listening to �The Kingdom�."
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31 |
Elgar finishes the orchestral score of The Kingdom, a total of 362 pages.
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September
8
In America Robert Turner announces the invention of an automatic carriage return for the typewriter.
9
New York Clergy protest at the Bronx Zoo's display of a pygmy in a cage with apes.
16
Having failed to reach the North Pole, Roald Amundsen returns to Seattle, announcing the discovery of the magnetic Pole.
20
Launch of the Cunard liner Mauretania and of the White Star liner Adriatic.
25
Birth of the Soviet composer Dimitri Shostakovich.
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| September |
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|
1 |
Novellos telegraph Elgar: "Score pages 301 to end received"
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2 |
Muriel Foster writes to Lady Elgar: "I thank you so much for all your good wishes. I shall like very
much to lunch with you one day � I am looking forward immensely � if with rather mixed feelings! � to singing Gerontius
again."
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3 |
Elgar goes to London for Three Choirs Festival rehearsals.
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4 |
S H Church writes from America: "This is the first opportunity I have had since my return from Europe
of making a formal acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter which gives us the hope of your attendance at the
dedication of the new building of the Carnegie Institute at Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 11th, 1907."
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|
5 |
Elgar writes to Jaeger: "Alice tells me you write sadly of yourself to her - well I can only say how
sorry I am that you are depressed & wish with all my soul I could cheer you. She does not tell me what you say but I
shall learn that tomorrow, Only for the moment be assured that anything we can do shall be done to our last coin."
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6 |
"E. in London. rehearsals &c. correcting proofs at Novellos &c - A. busy with preparations."
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7 |
"E. home all safes. D.G. A. busy with many preparations."
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8 |
"Mr. Austin here helping E. still very busy correcting proofs. Mrs. Worthington came in the afternoon
& came into the Cathedral to the Rehearsal -"
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9 |
Berrow's Worcester Journal reports: "The opening service was held in Hereford Cathedral on Sunday
afternoon � the band promises to be the finest heard at these Festivals."
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10 |
"After dinner some of the party to Evening Rehearsal. E.'s String piece -"
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11 |
"All to Gerontius in Evening except E. who stayed & worked, proofs &c. Our seats were too near, I wished
for darkness & out of the crowd. Very beautiful & impressive -"
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|
12 |
Berrow's Worcester Journal reports: "Sir Edward Elgar conducted his Introduction and Allegro for
strings, which is not only a brilliant but a thoroughly wholesome piece of display, and it went with the utmost verve
and force."
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|
13 |
The Worcester Herald reports: "Elgar�s �Apostles� drew a very large audience to the Cathedral yesterday.
The booking indeed is understood to have been heavier than it has been for any other event of the Festival. The
performance generally is spoken of as being of a very high order, though there were one or two slips, the most
disturbing of which was the premature entry of a trumpet in the mystical introduction to the second part. The part
of the Blessed Virgin was sustained by Mdme. Agnes Nicholls, that of Mary Magdalene by Miss Muriel Foster, whose
splendid work awakened regret that her approaching marriage will mean her retirement from the concert platform. The
remaining parts were divided thus: St. John, Mr. John Coates; St. Peter, Mr. Wm. Higley; Jesus, Mr. Ffrangcon Davies;
Judas, Mr. Dalton Baker. All were excellent, and Sir Edward Elgar, who entered the Lady Chapel during the second part,
must have been deeply gratified by the reverential reading of Dr. Sinclair, whose grasp of detail in this complex work
is only equalled by his devotion."
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|
14 |
"Some of the party to Cathedral. A. went for 2nd part. Some of the party, May, Mrs. Kilburn, A. Munn
to Concert - very long."
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15 |
"Persuaded the Kilburns to stay till Monday, he helped E. so much -"
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16 |
Nicholas Kilburn remembers: "The postal parcel just delivered contains printer�s proofs of the
orchestral parts of the oratorio, The Kingdom. These, of course, must be speedily examined, and to this end some of
the guests are to be pressed into the service. I say �pressed�, but I don�t mean it, for when, an hour later, Mr.
Austin and I found ourselves along with Sir Edward hard at work, they each with a violin and I at the piano, believe
me, we thoroughly enjoyed the somewhat novel experience. With the piano score it was interesting to watch how Sir
Edward �spotted� the printer�s mistakes, and how dextrously he and Mr. Austin played the various parts, including,
of course, those of the transposing instruments, sometimes octaves higher or lower than the printed notes."
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|
17 |
"Mr. & Mrs. Kilburn left - nearly tearful - darling people. Mr. Austin to station with them - Then Mrs.
Worthington left. E. & C. walked to station & E. went in to London too, corridor - Sorry our festive time was over -
Setting things straight again -"
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|
18 |
"E. in London - Correcting proofs & arranging for proofs to be sent on home."
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19 |
"A. to Maple Bank, (the C. Beales), arrived about 5 - E. & May for a long ride. E. came later & drove
up in a cab just in time for dinner & then to Rehearsal - First time of hearing Chorus of 'The Kingdom' - Chorus knew it
well but needed more understanding & expression -"
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|
20 |
"E. & A. at Maple Bank Birmh. E. into town after breakfast, A. not down till just before lunch -
Afterwards drove to town & fetched E. from University & they drove to call on Mr. & Mrs. Johnstone nice, rather touching
visit there, then to call on Mrs. Smythe & so back. After early dinner, to rehearsal of 'The Apostles'. Fairly good.
Mr. Beale had arrived when we returned. He & E. had a smoke &c -"
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|
21 |
"Mr. Austin came, joining E. at Worcester. No parts had come so Mr. Austin went home after lunch. E
& May for a ride. When they returned - A had arrived & Mr. Littleton was here - tea &c - A. left Maple Bank, came down
a few minutes before starting about 11 - Stopped at Malvern & went to C. & Painter to order an Evening dress."
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22 |
"Ivor Atkins came to help E. Worked most of the time. Mr. Austin came in aftn. Ivor stayed to dinner."
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23 |
Wulstan Atkins writes: "Atkins joined them, and the three of them worked all day on the proofs. They
worked again after supper. The first orchestral rehearsal of The Kingdom was to be in Manchester on 25 September, and
hence the frantic rush to complete the parts."
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|
24 |
"E. for a long ride with May then slept & we were a little late starting. Mr. Austin left about 11.30 -
E. & A. left at 4.20 train for Manchester - Dragon. Comfortable journey. Went to Midland Hotel. Band played the March
in D during dinner - & E. saw Mr. Horsburgh. Had a nice talk afterwards - Mrs. Worthington arrived late -"
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25 |
"Midland Hotel. Manchester. Rehearsal at 9.30 - E. sent Cousins over to Hall with the parts, & found
the String parts had not arrived but were expected. Mr. Beale's face fell. E. began with 'The Apostles', & just before
the end the parts were brought in & put on the desks. The players were so eager to peep into the new copies - Then E.
said a few words & began. They read it splendidly & it sounded gorgeous. Wonderful to hear it & to think it was really
there - D.G. Then there was an interval & we returned for lunch & E. changed & then finished the rehearsal. The players
broke into uncontrollable applause now & again & Dr. Richter sd. when A. asked him if he were zufrieden - "Zufrieden,
aber es ist wieder ein grosses Werk, grossartig." [satisfied, but again it is a great work, sublime] - Then E.
had tea & rested & Mrs. Worthington returned to London & A. left about 6.40 for home - Dragon. E. & Cousins left about
11 P.M. for Aberdeen."
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|
26 |
Elgar received an honorary D. Mus. at the Aberdeen Quatercentenary celebrations.
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27 |
Alice writes to Jaeger: "You will be glad to hear the Rehearsal at Manchester was splendid - Gorgeous
Seas of Sounds. The band broke now & again into irresistible applause. E. is at Aberdeen & I hope having this lovely
weather. Trust you all better Gt. haste"
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28 |
"E. travelling from Aberdeen all day with Cousins - A., C. & May to Birmingham by 2.25 train. Went
to Hotel - then all to the Fiedlers to dinner - Then with Mrs. F. C. & May to Rehearsal left at nine & C. & May drove
on to the Fiedlers where they were staying. A. found Mrs. Worthington just arrived & they sat in A.'s room & had cocoa
& Plas Gwyn bread & waited for E. who sent telegrams wh. prevented A. being fitened as E. did not arrive till 11.30 -
All safe & well, D.G."
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|
29 |
"E. all well & no headache thankful for it - All ready for his Rehearsal at 9.30 - A. & C. & May & Mrs.
Worthington, May�s family, Dr. Palmer - Madeline Martin &c Wonderful to hear. The great climax "In the Name" quite
overpowering - also the female voice chorus - The Introduction splendid. & �O Ye Priests" - indeed all - Then there
was � hour interval, E. did not leave the Hall & then E. went on again - Everyone deep impressed - Rested, had tea &c,
saw many people & then came home at 5.20. Dragon - Cousins with us."
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|
30 |
Henry Embleton writes to Elgar from Leeds: "I know you will be very busy with the Birmingham Festival
but I feel that I must write & tell you what a complete success our �Germany trip� has been. The kindness of the three
German towns was beyond anything that could be expected. The musical part was as near perfection as possible & I am
glad to feel that your �Gerontius� & the Bavarian �Dance� were the foundation of our programme. �Gerontius� was listened
to with special attention & on its conclusion the applause was so I am told beyond anything before heard in Germany &
for this we must thank the composer more than the executants."
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|
October
3
In Berlin the first conference on wireless telegraphy adopts 'SOS' as a distress signal.
9
Death of Joseph Glidden, the inventor of barbed wire.
17
The German professor, Arthur Korn, uses telegraphy to send a photograph over 1,000 miles.
22
Henry Ford succeeds John S. Gray as President of the Ford Motor Co.
|
| October |
|
|
1 |
Alice writes to Nicholas Kilburn: "We are to return to Grand Hotel Birm. early tomorrow, it was nice
to be home for these two days � I know you & dear Mrs. Kilburn�s hearts & thought will be with us tomorrow Evening &
Wednesday, & that the dear Ton Dichter has your loving wishes."
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|
2 |
Dorabella remembers: "There was a glorious performance of The Apostles on the Tuesday evening and I
saw no empty seat in the Town Hall. The soloists were fine."
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|
3 |
The first performance of The Kingdom. "Fine - E. awoke all well. Went over to the Hall early.
Carice & May came & A. & they went to Hall. Enormous audience. Some standing room (guinea each) allotted - a special
train from London - E. looked most booful & conducted splendidly - no haste & much dignity. Work must wonderful - A
bsolute hush in audience. & the Soloists seemed perfectly rapt - & carried away. Introduction magnificent. The chorus
might have sung with more expression - Impression most profound. & a great greeting to E. followed. Then we went to the
Mayor's but were shewn into library & no places. J. Coates dragged up table & chairs but E. cd. not stay. Coates very
amusing. A crowd of people to tea E. had rested. Speyers, D�Oyleys, Frank, Mrs. Worthington, Ivor, Dr. Sinclair &c &c
&c. P. Pltt, Kalisch, S. Loeb - Then E. & A. dined with Lord & Lady Plymouth, very pleasant Evening. & then drove down
with Lady Plymouth to Concert. Very long, E. & A. grew very tired. Wonderful day of first performance."
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|
4 |
Berrow's Worcester Journal reports: "During the week of the Birmingham Festival the pertinacity of the
autograph hunters aroused amusing comment. On Thursday Sir Edward Elgar attended the afternoon service at the Catholic
Church, and at the main door stood two ladies waiting for him! Each carried an �autograph book�."
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|
5 |
"E. & A. & C. & May to hear the Beethoven Mass. E. & A. stayed in Artists room for lunch. E. returned
to Hall & A. back to Hotel to make all ready. Fine performance but some too impossible for human voices - & rather
painful to hear. Some of it of course magnificent. Mischa Elman wonderful & saw him afterwards, nice simple boy.
Mr. Perkins & Copley Harding saw E. about the University Org. after breakfast. Mrs. Worthington Early, nearly tearful.
E. & A. & C. & May - & Cousins by 3.37 train to Barton & Walton Station carriage met us & cart. Arrived to tea Mr. &
Mrs. B. Melville & Mrs. Gaskell there - Very nice Evg."
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|
6 |
Troyte Griffith writes to Alice about Ernest Newman's review of The Kingdom; "I hope neither
you or Edward object to my letter in to-day�s Birmingham Post. But I was so angry with their objectionable little Jew,
I couldn�t help sending some protest. I only wish it had been stronger, but as it is they have cut out one expression.
I am surprised none else tackled �E.N�; did you notice his parade of �my good friend Canon Gorton�?"
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|
7 |
Elgar write to Alfred Littleton: "The Kingdom went very well - not superlatively as the Chorus was
rather 'inelastic' in those portions where they are implicated with the Soloists."
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|
8 |
"Finer morning. Mr. Dugdale left Early. Spencer Lyttleton & Mrs. Gaskell before 10 - We had a very
nice morning. E. & Mr. Levett much talk about newts &c. wh. had been sent for from Covent Garden! & A. with Lady
Margaret. Left at 11- � Barton Station - Cousins left at Birmingham - Home by 4. Dragon 2 cabs - A.'s box left at
Wychnor"
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|
9 |
W. S. Gilbert writes to Elgar: "I have it in my mind to write the libretto of an opera and it has
occurred to me that possibly you might be disposed to consider the question of composing its music. The subject is
romantic, picturesque & fanciful, with strong dramatic scenes & a predominating love-interest, relieved by a certain
modicum of humour of a purely �comedy� character. It would contain nothing absurd, undignified or anachronistic & it
would admit of the highest form of musical development."
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|
10 |
Elgar writes to Frank Schuster: "A thousand thanks for your dear, kind letter. I don�t seem to realise
that I have written anything & am trying to forget all about it & myself also. Anyhow it is good to hear that you liked
the thing, & bless you for it! We have had a delightful time at Wychnor & are now home: I go to London for printing
purposes tomorrow & must away when the publishers have done with me."
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|
11 |
"Very damp & wet aftn. E. busy at Novellos correcting parts & Score &c -"
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|
12 |
Elgar writes to Rosa Burley: "Only here for a day proof-correcting: all went well at B. & is well
with the Kingdom. Hope the papers come all right. Do not trouble to acknowledge them. We think of you much."
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|
13 |
"Cold & finer - E. in P.M. to see the Duchess & Miss T. & had tea with Dr. Sinclair. A. into town -
Mrs. Acworth & Rosamund & Mr. & Miss Falconer, U.S.A. to tea - rather pleasant U.S.A.'s -"
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|
14 |
"E. & A. C. in Car to Belmont. May rode. Returned straightly. not out any more. Lovely sunshine -
Dr. Sinclair to tea. E. most peaceful & serene."
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15 |
"Much milder. E. & May for a ride in P.M. to Mordiford & then to Lugwardine -"
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|
16 |
"E. & A. by train, Dragon - A. went on to Cheltenham E. changed & went on to Stroud - Saw Dott. then
went to lunch & then back to see Dott. Then back to Gloucester. Met A. but only at the last moment so A. was on the
platform going mis."
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|
17 |
"Rather chilly & E. rather porsley - chilled &c - for a walk late with C. into town - looked at shops!"
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|
18 |
Elgar writes to Jaeger: "How & where are you? We have been very quiet since Birmingham: you never
send a word as to yourself. The weather is now dull & gloomy, & we are preparing for winter"
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|
19 |
"Bright & rather cold. Roads too damp for E. Had a car & drove (E. & A. & May) to York Hill & called
then to Stretton Grandison, saw Church, then to Cowarne Ct. & Rectory. Harvest Fest. so no one at home -"
|
|
20 |
John Austin writes to Elgar: "I am writing to ask you a favor, not for myself but for a very
distinguished member of the profession I mean Mr Charles Draper the Clarinettist. He is very anxious to get a copy of
the �Kingdom� with your signature, and does not like to write to ask you himself."
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|
21 |
"E. & A. & C. to Belmont. May had been early to Church. Very warm, rainy - Lovely round by Holm Lacy
- Very rainy afterwards & warm -"
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|
22 |
"Wet, stormy morning. but not quite hopeless - Cleared slowly E. had car & drove to meet the Plymouth
party & brought them up the right way - Lady Plymouth & Lady Phyllis, Mr. Ralph Pant & Made von Gr�nelius. Pretty
lunch with no cloth wh. caused them joy - Very pleasant time. After lunch saw Study & the Prophet pictures &c &c &c
then we had Connelly car & mixed up & went to Madeley, saw Church, stayed long time. E. piloted in the Plymouth Car.
& then on to Kilpeck, a long time there - They seemed to enjoy every minute. Then we kept together till a little way
on the Bromyard Road & then took leave very regretfully. Very very delightful day. E. enjoyed it thoroughly."
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|
23 |
Elgar writes to Novellos about the Concert Allegro: "I do not think the P.F. piece in its present
form entirely satisfactory - I have the M.S. now & may re-cast it. It�s too long!"
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|
24 |
Wulstan Atkins writes: "Atkins did not go over to Plas Gwyn until 24 October. Elgar was still very
pleased about the Birmingham performance and its reception, but he was clearly worn out. His main interest appeared to
be that Novello's were producing a German edition of The Kingdom. This had been one of the reasons for his London visit.
He spoke about some chemical experiments he was making, and he was looking forward to the concert in Malvern on
3 November, at which his old friends from Hanley were to sing his part-songs."
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|
25 |
Elgar travels to Stockport.
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|
26 |
Elgar conducts Gerontius in Southport.
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|
27 |
Elgar returns from Stockport.
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|
28 |
"Very wet & cold. None of us out - E. depressed. Dr. Sinclair & his uncle to tea -"
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|
29 |
Elgar works ion his Birmingham lecture.
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|
30 |
"E. & A. into town. E. to tea with Dr. Sinclair - Came back dreadfully depressed."
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|
31 |
"E. very busy with his Lecture. A. copying for him."
|
|
November
2
Leon Trotsky is exiled for life to Siberia.
2
Birth of Italian filmmaker Luchino Visconti.
17
The Daily Mail offers a �10,000 prize for the first flight from London to Manchester.
18
Anarchists bomb St. Peter's, Rome.
20
First performance of G. B. Shaw's 'The Doctor's Dilemma'.
|
| November |
|
|
1 |
"Very damp chill morning. A. & May to Church at 9 - E. hard at work at his Lecture. Copying by A. at
white heat of haste - May typing extracts. A. & E. to Birm. 2.20 train, E. correcting &c. - to Grand Hotel tea there,
then to Lecture. Very fine & dignified & most interesting - E. & Gran to Music Hall in Evening!"
|
|
2 |
"E. at Birmingham, working at Library & visiting P. Harris buying Chemics"
|
|
3 |
Berrows Worcester Journal reports: "Malvern concert-goers had chiefly to thank Sir Edward Elgar for
the splendid feast of choral music given under the auspices of the Malvern Concert Club at the Assembly Rooms on
Saturday. Sir Edward, intent upon showing the members of the club, of which he is president, what really good singing
means, was the direct means of the engagement of the Hanley Cauldron Vocal Society,, and one does not need to look any
further to determine whose mind conceived the idea of inviting all members of church and chapel choirs and members of
Madresfield and other choral societies to the concert. Sir Edward and Lady Elgar had a large party, including Lady
Plymouth and her daughter, Mr. Ivor Atkins, conductor of the Worcester festival, and many of the leading amateurs of the
county. Almost every seat was occupied, and the audience was most enthusiastic, encores being demanded, though not
accorded, after the rendering of each item."
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|
4 |
"E. possessed with Chemistry"
|
|
5 |
The Concert Allegro is performed in a London Symphony Orchestra concert.
|
|
6 |
Elgar attends a banquet for the critic Joseph Bennett at the Trocadero, London.
|
|
7 |
Alice writes to Alice Kilburn: "Edward has been so busy with his Lectures wh. are all going on now, &
has had no holiday yet � I want to get him away to Italy when Carice�s holidays begin. I think he needs a change so much,
if we can only manage it."
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|
8 |
Another lecture - on Mozart's G Minor Symphony: "Pouring torrents - E. wd. not let A. come - Went to
Birmingham by his dear souse. Came back most wretched. Small room, more people than cd. well find place - no light for
piano &c &c &c - dreadfully depressed."
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|
9 |
"E. depressed after Lecture."
|
|
10 |
The Birmingham Daily Mail reports that: "Sir Edward Elgar has once more fallen foul of the newspaper
reporters. In a lecture on orchestration ... he was reported to have expressed himself in favour of a revision of the
works of the old masters, so that omissions due to the deficiencies of the orchestras of their day might be supplied
from our ampler sources. Sir Edward, as on a previous occasion, claims to have been mis-reported. Writing to today's
"Post", he says:- "The report of my lecture in to-day's 'Post' is in one passage entirely misleading."
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11 |
Elgar receives at telegram from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: "Variations for the first time
performed by philharmonic orchester enormous success yours heartily Schalk"
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12 |
"E. & A. to London to Frank - E.'s eyelids so bad, saw Dr. Collens just before we started. To Opera in
Evening, La Tosca -"
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13 |
"A. to Mr. Lloyd Williams. Went to stores &c -"
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14 |
"E. still much troubled with his eyelids."
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15 |
"E.'s eyelids so bad A. very distracted & telegraphed to Dr. Duncan - who came after lunch - & gave him
things - All three to Raffles, a most delightful play, we enjoyed it like 3 children -"
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16 |
"A. to Mr. Lloyd Williams E. to rehearsal Queens Hall at 11.30 back to lunch pleased. After dinner all
three to Queen's Hall. Heard Parry's Overture & then the splendid 'In the South' - gorgeous. E. conducted & splendidly
& the large orch. seemed to love playing for him - Gt. reception & recalling -"
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17 |
Alice attends the first London performance of The Kingdom. The Musical Times reports: "It is a
remarkable testimony to the hold Sir Edward Elgar has on the musical world that his latest great work is already
announced for performance by most of the chief choral societies in London and the provinces. The honour of giving the
first performance of 'The Kingdom' after its production at Birmingham in October was gained by the Alexandra Palace
Choral and Orchestral Society and its highly capable conductor, Mr. Allen Gill. The Palace committee should look to the
organ. Nearly all through the latter part of the concert the distressing noise caused by the escape of wind made it very
difficult for performers and auditors to concentrate attention on the music. And was it wise to precede the oratorio by
an organ recital which included 'The Ride of the Valkyrie'?"
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18 |
"A. to Cathedral - Then E. & A. & Frank started to Wimbledon by train, drove in cab to Miss Schuster's.
Mr. & Mrs. Ames there - who do lovely verse picture books. Stayed till about 5 & then to station, missed train. E. & A.
found some tea then back to Old Queen St. & dressed for party. Lady Maud, & Lady Tweedale, S. Wortleys, Claude, Lord
Shaftesbury, Mr. Darnall & Bispham. E. between Lady Maud & Mrs S. Wortley. Very nice time & Evening. Saw dear Lady
Margaret - & many people - Visetti very admiring - S. Littleton there -"
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19 |
"E. found he really cd. not give the Lectures. Ordered not to use eyes - In evening to Fedora, Covent
Garden - A. very worried about E."
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20 |
"A. a little less worried about E. He happier feeling clear of Birmingham Lectures - quite good spirits
wh. Frank & A. soon shared. A. into town & did a little shopping, then back & then to dear Raikes - Spent nice long time
with them - Quiet Evening within."
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21 |
"E. (& A.) to Mr. W. Lang - oculist. D.G. he said eyes were excellent, & insisted on change & warm
climate - then to see dear Vee & At. Vee - They were so pleased to see us both. Then back to Old Queen St. but the Dean
of Westminster had arrived. Very nice, came to luncheon - G. Macquay there too - Then he & Frank to Brahms (Joachim &c.)
A. to tea with Lady Margaret. Met Miss Fielding there who knew of flat in Rome. Then back & we all three went to dine
with the Stuart Wortleys & then to "Man & Superman� - Court Theatre, Lady Brassey, Lady Wantage, The Dodo Benson.
Extraordinarily clever play - Not all pleasant."
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22 |
"E. wrote to Sir Oliver saying he cd. not give the Lectures & wd. pay back stipend & resign.
E. went out. Tower &c - A. pd. calls."
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23 |
"E. & Frank to ship office in morning & reported cabins returned after lunch & engaged passages
in Orient Orontes 28 Dec - to Naples."
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24 |
The Worcester Herald reports: "The illness of Sir Edward Elgar is not serious, and it is hoped that he
will be able to give his Birmingham lecture on orchestration next week."
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25 |
Allen Gill writes to Alice" I read your very kind letter to my Choir on Tuesday night, and it was
received with acclamation. We are all so glad you were there to hear the performance of �The Kingdom�. My choir realized
the task I had set them (and myself) to prepare the work in 6 weeks � and they gave me their best attention, and attended
the extra rehearsals which were necessary, with an enthusiasm which would surprise those who still believe the old
reproach that there are �no choral singers in London�. We had, in all, ten rehearsal � six regular rehearsals, and four
at which only about two thirds of the choir were able to attend. I was greatly helped in my work by the marvellous
sympathy and insight which my choir showed from the very first rehearsal. It was a labour of love for us all."
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26 |
"E. in London with Frank. Went to Novello�s & lunched with Mr. A. Littleton."
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27 |
"E. home from London - Eyes looked pretty well -"
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28 |
Alice opens a Sale of Work in Hereford for the Society for the Assistance of Ladies in Reduced
Circumstances.
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29 |
"A. out in garden. Dora Penny came to stay till Saturday Dragon - E. busy with chemics."
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30 |
"E. not out - busy with Chemics. Made lovely gold head in Evening."
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|
December
6
Birth of film director and producer Otto Preminger.
13
The first German U1 submarine is brought into service.
22
Birth of the Russian politician Leonid Brezhnev.
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| December |
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|
1 |
Berrows Worcester Journal reports: "Professor Sir Edward Elgar, having been ordered to take
complete rest, will not be able to deliver the remainder of his lectures on �orchestration� at Birmingham University
during the present term. Sir Edward�s many friends will be pleased to know that the indisposition is not of a serious
nature. Sir Edward is shortly going abroad to take a somewhat prolonged rest necessitated by overwork."
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2 |
"E. & A. not out. E's eyelids dreadfully bad, & swollen - Dr. Collens came -"
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3 |
"E.'s eyelids somewhat better. Dr. Collens came - E. dreadful headache all day - Lay down all the aftn."
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4 |
"E. quite inclined to try Llanrindrod - A. preparing -"
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5 |
"Very rough & stormy day. E. & A. started for Llanrindrod Wells at 12.40 - Very wretched journey -
Changing wet platforms, &c - Llanrindrod looked deserted & wretched. A. went out in pouring rain to find Pump Hotel.
Shops shut. Cabs put away for summer - returned to E. at station resolved to return at once. Thought we wd. go to
Rock Hotel, only omnibus at station, to tea, & back. Did not like look of it but E. looked so tired so stayed there
the night - Dreadfully cold, very wretched E.�s very bad -"
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6 |
"Going to return home - Packed up - A. went to see Gwalia - rather liked it - Still going to leave but
at last moment determined to stay at Gwalia - E. looked better & eyes better than in the night. Walked about a little
after lunch - Fine distant views but ugly uninteresting town -"
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7 |
"E.& A. at Llandrindod. Walked by Pump Hotel to Golf Pavilion in aftn. Fine view, circle of mountains.
No time to stay up there as E. had to return for water drinking."
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8 |
"E. & A. at Llanrindrod. No events except walks & water drinking on E.'s part to record - E. walked
in morning to find Roman remains but they seem to have disappeared."
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9 |
"E. & A. (no Mass there) for a walk before lunch - sunny & rather nice - A. met E. at Pump room & walked
back with him in P.M."
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10 |
"A. returned from Llandrindod E. came with her as far as Builth Road & saw her into train there, then
lunched & explored Builth & returned to Llanrindrod. A. found all well. D.G."
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11 |
"E. at Llanrindrod - A. not out - pweaked to E. thro� telephone."
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12 |
"Very stormy. E. at Llanrindrod."
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13 |
"Cold & still. E. at Llanrindrod - he & A. pweaked every day thro� telephone -"
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14 |
Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "One line to say that drinking these peculiar waters has done me good:
my eyes have been worse since I saw you but now the inflammation has departed into my hands - not much but gout is
indicated."
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15 |
"E. returned at 3, headache & very depressed. A. dreadfully worried."
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16 |
"Mild nice day. Gleams of sun - E. better - Chances of Italy receding.
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17 |
A day of worrying.
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18 |
Alice writes to Alfred Littleton: "Edward asks me to send you a few lines, as after much thought, we feel
we must give up our Italian journey. It is of course a very great disappointment & I hoped such great things from the
change for Edward - We feel convinced however that we could not undertake it without financial anxiety & the only course
is to abandon it -"
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19 |
More worry!
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20 |
... and still more.
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21 |
... and indication of light at the end of the tunnel.
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22 |
Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "Times is awry: & thus, my eyes are not well & get no better - not much
better at any rate. I have been in evil case & fit for no good works. I leave here (D.V.) via Southampton for ye East
on Saturday next."
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23 |
Preparations for Italy.
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24 |
More preparations.
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25 |
Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "I loved having your letter but alas! I fear I shall be gone to-morrow.
I find it must be an early flit to get baggage on board. If I don't leave tomorrow by the corridor it must be early on
Thursday. Our plans have been upset, revised, coddled, altered, married, rebuilt, rejuvenated, & a lot more. Now it
is settled that Alice & I go on the Orontes on Friday."
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26 |
Elgar writes to Littleton: "After much deliberation my wife & myself start to Naples on Friday - I
pass thro' town & shall call if I can squeeze out a minute; but in case I cannot do so will you be so good as to send
some money! I don't in the least know if I deserve any but if possible I shd like a fifty-pound cheque sent to my niece
(May Grafton) here crossed Lloyds Hereford and wd. you pay into my acct at Glyn's Mills Currie & Co 67 Lombard St E.C.
one hundred: I am awfully sorry to trouble you but the doctor insists on rest & we have hurriedly decided to go."
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27 |
Wulstan Atkins writes: "Atkins saw them at Worcester Shrub Hill station for a brief farewell. Elgar, now
that he was on his way to the warm South, was in much better form, but his eyes were still giving him trouble."
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28 |
The Elgars board the Orontes bound for Naples via Gibraltar and Marseilles.
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29 |
In Chicago Frederick Wessels writes to Novellos: "I understand that Sir Edward Elgar is coming to
this country in the spring and that you can furnish information in regard to his trip. If so I shall be glad to know
if it is his intention to do any orchestral leading and if so what the probabilities are for making an engagement with
him in Chicago."
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30 |
En route to Italy.
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31 |
En route to Italy.
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