Elgar portrait - from a painting belonging to Arthur Reynolds

ELGAR
an Elgar Timeline
- - -
Events of 100 Years Ago


1908

January

1
The Austrian composer Gustav Mahler makes his U.S. conducting debut with Tristan und Isolde at the Metropolitan Opera.

12
The first long-distance wireless message is sent from the Eiffel Tower.

15
Birth of U.S. physicist Edward Teller, who developed the hydrogen bomb.

27
The New York Police Department enlists dogs as deputies.

30
In London nine suffragettes are arrested after incidents at the homes of Cabinet ministers.

January
1 The first performance of A Christmas Greeting at Herford. George Sinclair writes: "We had a splendid Concert last night, quite the best we have ever had. The Town Hall was over packed, nearly 50 people had to stand. Your beautiful piece went really well, with great expression and feeling."
2 "May & Mother went out in the morning & saw Pompey’s statue, Father & I were in all the morning, in the afternoon May & I went out on the Pincian for a short walk, & studied the numerous busts, some very nice – After tea, Father went to his lesson, Mother & May & I went to the Lecture by Professor Grenfell. It was all about a recently discovered papyrus."
3 Lord Northampton writes to Elgar: "I have received two little reminders of yourself in Italy & they each brought a little warm love with them which did me good for everything outside is very cold – hard frosts & bitter winds & everyone looking pinched & dried up – But that does not affect the warmth inside & with a very hot heart I wish you a new year full of the best things that God can give you. He has already given you so much, but I know there is more that you want to get – so I wish you that – Perhaps it could be bad for you to get it – God will decide –"
4 The Elgars look for a flat for Pippa Worthington: "Father & Mother went to see the apartment, & liked it v. much. May & I went to the Vatican sculpture, & had a lovely time there, we discovered that there was a whole long passage of statues which we had not seen. After lunch Father & I went a long walk through the Borghese gardens, out on to a new road, nearly to the Acqua Acetosa, & home by the Villa Papa Giulio. It was a perfect day, & we had some glorious views. Mother & May went to see Segnor del Nero, about Pippa. He came & called in the Evening."
5 Miss Underwood writes from Hereford: "I trust you have heard already from Dr. Sinclair how delighted everyone was with the “Greeting” & what a good rendering the boys gave, they took such pains to perform it without a mistake two Carroduses played the violin parts so beautifully, I do wish you could have heard it, the music & the words are quite touching it was indeed a charming thought of Sir Edward’s to write such a Christmas greeting to the boys, & I am sure that they all valued & appreciated it, the whole concert was a great success, the room was full to overflowing with many standing, next year we shall want to adjourn to the Shire Hall. We had a quiet peaceful Christmas with nice services at the Cathedral, now we are in the grip of winter, 21 degrees of frost last night & many houses with frozen pipes, not ours at present I am thankful to say, & I trust we shall not have such an excitement as we are expecting a party for the Hunt & Hospital walk on Wednesday & Miss Mary my sister is much better and is talking of joining with me to Mr. Brine’s Shakespeare dance on the 14th."
6 "Festa day. May & I went to church at 10, & the Babies later. May & I murked a little after, & found the real Babuino, & also S. Anastasio in the Via, where mass was going on according to the Greek rite. In the afternoon we tried to find another flat for Pippa but could not see it, so May & I met Father at the Berlitz & went with him to the Ara Coeli, crowds of people on the steps, but cld see nothing of the Blessing etc, so gave it up & came home by the Tarteraghe charming fountain, & by the Levei, ghastly, & S. Andrea della Valle, very nice church, & beautiful representation of the Epiphany, & nice sound of music. Mother still feeling cold very much."
7 "May had telegram to say she was to go home at once as her Father was dangerously ill. We went down to see if she could start that night, but it was impossible. So terribly trying for her, & so difficult to know whether it was a great risk for herself to go back into the cold. Very cold day. Mother still very wretched from her cold."
8 "May decided to go at 8.40 this evening. Spent afternoon making arrangements. In morning went to our lessons as usual. Mother still badly. Father & I went down to see poor May, so terribly sad at losing her, Found Lady Victoria Manners was going as far as Geneva, so could be a little help to her, Father & I walked home."
9 "Mother still in bed. Went shopping with Rosa, & to see one or two apartments for Pippa. Had several telegrams & a card from May to say had arrived at various places safely."
10 "Had a card from May, & much later a wire to say “slightly better” from Worcester. Mlle. Léry came here to give me my lesson. Dr. Smallpeice came again to see Mother. Mrs. S’s at Home."
11 "Mother better. Shopped with Rose. In the Evening I went with Andrea to the Hôtel Suisse. Miss Ridleys invited me to Progressive Games, great fun."
12 Elgar writes to May Grafton: "My dear May: Babs & I are just in from a long walk you may care to look in Baedeker. Aventine, St Alessio &c. &c. then over the Hills to Ponte S. Paolo protestant cemetery. Via P. St Paolo by S. Prisca &c. &c. lovely hot sun. I do hope we shall hear good news son. The Paint is really better but has not been out yet: It is really most disappointing, her health I mean but we hope she will soon be well: nothing could be better than the present weather only it is cold. We went to S. Sylvestro this a.m. & I am sneezing! My love to you all. I am longing to hear news: it is good of you to send those telegrams & you were fortunate I hope in your channel crossing."
13 "Did nothing particular in the morning. In the afternoon went to our Berlitz lessons together, when we came, there came a telegram to say that poor May’s father was dead. So dreadfully sorry for her & for them all, & so thankful that she did go after all. Father & I went a short walk on the Pincian."
14 Elgar writes to May Grafton: "My dear Maybird: I cannot tell you how sad we are & how much we think of you all: give your mother my love – she will know without words all it means; bless you all! I get quite frantic at times sitting here so far away when I would give anything to be with you or near you all during this sad time."
15 "Father & I went quickly to find a book binder’s, as he wanted something bound, before 11 & Mlle. Léry came. Saw S. Augustus en route. Had my lesson. Mr. Hubbard & Mr. Littleon came to tea, very nice."
16 "Mother & Father & I went to lunch at Miss Fane’s. Msgnr. Stanley Mrs. Montigne, very nice. I left directly after, & went with Andrea to the hockey which had been arranged. It was great fun, no one played well or kept their places, & the ground (in the Borghese gardens) was very rough. The Italians shrieked! with excitement if they shot a goal."
17 Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "We have been deeply saddened by the death of my dear old comrade, May's father. She has left us for home & our little party is in sorrow. Let me have news of you sometime soon. I hope all goes well. Here we have frosts but glorious sun all day-treacherous but seeming fair. I have really nothing to tell you. I write a little & have furnished (good word) four part-songs, one whereof is in two keys at once! that is to say, the S. A. & right hand PF bear the signature of b, while simultaneously the T.B. & left hand PF are in #. It will sound very remote & will please village choirs."
18 "Mother & I went out shopping in the morning, & went to see S. Giacomo in Augusta, not anything to see there. In the afternoon Dr. Smallpeice & Andrea came for drilling, & I went back there & spent the afternoon there, met Miss Georges, & Miss Olive Freeman, very nice, played games. Mother had called on Miss Lane & walked home with me. We heard that Father & Pippa wld come home by the last train, 11-25, so we went to the Hôtel du Pincis to see that her room was ready, & took some fruit & flowers, & sat up for them. So nice to have Father home, & Pippa here. We also arranged for Pippa to see Mr. Bultor’s apartment."
19 "Father & I went to church, Pippa & Mother to see Signer del Nero’s apartment, which she did not like. In the p.m. she saw & took Mr. B’s, & liked it very much. Father & she & I went a nice walk in the gardens, & saw an exciting game of football there. Came home to tea, when (later) Mseur. Shanly came."
20 "Pippa busy about her flat, went with her in the morning when she went through her inventory. In the afternoon Father & I had own lessons, & went round to see if the book we left to be bound was possibly ready; not till Thursday. Mother & Pippa to Bethell’s to tea. P. & Mr. Bultor signed lease in evening."
21 "According to Mlle. Léry’s arrangement she was to have come this a.m. at 10, but some how she never came. Bought an Italian dictionary. Father had a very snuffly cold, & put off his lesson & did not go out at all. Pippa & Mother busy about servants etc etc for her flat."
22 "Father’s cold very bad, in bed nearly all day. Mlle. Léry came at 10 this morning, & explained that the time had been changed unknown to her. Mother & Pippa went out shopping. Rosa & I went to the Berlitz for my lesson, had Signorina Romano – not my own lady."
23 "Mother & I walked to the book-binder’s & fetched the book, which was ready this time, but they had not cut it down at all. Father in bed till the evening, very poorly & depressed. Pippa came & dined, which was very cheering. Miss Fane sent a note to Mother, asking whether we would like to go for a drive in her carriage, as it was doing nothing to-morrow."
24 "Had my French lesson, & after Mother & I went for a very nice drive in Miss Fane’s carriage, it was so good of her to offer it: we went this side of the Tiber down to the Ponte Molle & back by the Acqua Acetosa, & the Via Flaminia, by the former we got into some terrible mud, & wondered whether the carriage would get hopelessly stuck in it. Father still bad, not up until after lunch. In the afternoon Dr. Smallpeice & Andrea came. At 4 Pippa came, & Mother & she & I went to the Sgambati’s to tea, many people there, & a Mexican lady sang, & also Professore Franceschetti. We met Clara Novello’s daughters, so nice, & a Mrs. White, who was also very nice."
25 In Rome.
26 In Rome.
27 Alice writes to Troyte Griffith: " It is most disappointing that E. got a bad cold & has been laid up got a week, a good deal in bed. The Dr. says it is a touch of influenza - & you know how wretched & depressing that is. I hope he is a little better, but it will take some days all being well, to set him up. The Dr. wants to send us to Frascati for him to convalesce but I must go first & see what it is like as houses can be so cold here, we are very fortunate here in that respect – It must be perfectly lovely out on those Alban Hills, they look so opal tinted & beautiful in the distance. The Dr. is very nice & kind, & very clever I think. I am glad to say our Plas Gwyn tenants send very nice accounts & seem to love it – The robin has hot baths! They seem so good to the birds. I bought some roses the other day, a lovely red pink shade – They were evidently dyed – the water in the bowl was rose colour – Can you imagine that in Italy? but it seems to me the feeling of art is utterly lost. The shops are so dreadful, except those with reproductions of the old things."
28 Alice writes to Alice Kilburn: "So many thanks for yr card & the box of excellent shortbread so dear of you to think of it – I am sorry to say Edward has been laid up for the last 10 days with severe cold & strong touch of influenza, which you know is most depressing & wretched. It is delightful having Mrs. Worthington here she arrived a few days ago & is installed in an apartment in the new quarter looking down into Queen Margarita’s garden."
29 "Had my French lesson."
30 "E. was to lunch with Pippa but not well enough. A. much worried, went instead. E. came up afterwards for a few minutes & walked back - first time out. P. to dinner."
31 "Had my French lesson. In the afternoon, Mother & I went by tram to the nearest approach to S Clemente, as this day & to-morrow are the only days of the year in which one can see the lower church. The upper church is beautiful, while marble ambones & screen, & lovely Masaccio frescoes. As it was too early to see the lower church, we went to the Quattro Coronati, very strange place, fortress like outside. Owing to a mistake in the restoration it had 2 courtyards, which makes much difference in the size. The man there gave us two bits of marble from the floor. We went back to S. Clemente & saw the lower church, very interesting, lovely bits of mosaic, & looked down a grating & saw where S. Clement’s house was, not shown now as too damp, but many feet below the lower church."

February

2
Following the murder of the King and the Crown Prince, 19-year-old Don Manuel becomes king.

22
In Ireland a gale sweeps a Donegal train off the track.

27
a 46th star is added to the U.S.A. flag, following Oklahoma's admission to statehood.

28
In New York a Professor at Columbia University insists the deleterious effects of tobacco are greatly exaggerated.

February
1 "E. rather headache & tired. Dr. Smallpeice for drilling & long talk with E. after lunch -"
2 "Mother & I went to the Kircherian Museum, it was very nice to go again, & Mother was much interested. Church at San Silvestro. Father better. When we were out the newspaper men seemed very excited & we heard the King of Portugal & his son had been murdered. Mother & I went out to get papers & found it only too true. Mr. Hubbard came in & had a nice long talk."
3 Elgar writes to May Grafton: "My dear Maybird: I am up again now after a most wearisome illness – a fortnight clear most of it in bed. If the weather was only possible, I should get some walks & improve but it rains & rains & is very dark & gloomy. I don’t seem to know anything – have had no letters for weeks except the usual idiot begging autographs, &c. &c."
4 "Finer - A. out in morning, very cold. C. to lesson & lunch with Pippa. Dr. S. came. A. had to go to bed at dinner time."
5 "Mother in bed with a very bad cold. Embassy dinner put off on account of Portuguese tragedy. Had my French lesson, the last hélas! until Father arranges something else – which I think he is going to."
6 "E. dreadful headache. Out a little. Had to put off golf with Mr. Hubbard. Dr. S. came. A. let come out to dine - C. to Hockey -"
7 "Father & I went a long walk in the morning, a sort of murk, trying to find Casa Bramante. We bought some corks for Pippa, left a card on Dr. Strauss at the Russie, & also bought two herrings, & roasted one over the drawing room fire. Mother up before lunch & better, Mlle. Léry came to see whether I was to have a lesson, when I was out, & stayed & talked along time. In the p.m. Father & Pippa went to sale room. I went to Dr. Smallpeice’s for drilling & came back with Andrea & Dr. S. Father bought some lovely embroidered priest’s vestments, & a little box & mixed stone etc."
8 An uneventful day.
9 "Mother far from well, in bed all day. Went to church with Rosa. Rather dull weather, Father did not go out. Pippa & I went to the Strauss concert.The room seems small, but we enjoyed it on the whole. Don Juan & Tod & Verklärung were fine. Dr. S. said Mother really had influenza & must take great care."
10 "Influenza & worries"
11 "Mother rather better. Pippa & I went to our lesson, & she came here & went out to lunch at Babington’s Tea Rooms. In the afternoon, Father & I went down by the river, & in to the Corea, fine hall nearly finished now & into the sale, he bid for a very nice old picture of the Madonna but did not succeed in getting it."
12 "Mother really rather better. Father & I went out shopping in the morning, after lunch we took a tram to the Piazza del Popolo, & there changed into another for Ponte Molle. We took the road which leads straight on & walked a good distance along it, in perfect county peace & quiet, found a few little flowers. Glorious sun, & so lovely to be out of the town. Mother up for the first time in the evening,"
13 "Mother getting on & up again in the Evening. Went to my lesson with Pippa, had Signoria a Curabolo, so nice. Went to hockey in the afternoon, had such a good game though late beginning. I shot a goal!"
14 "Father & I went directly after breakfast to the Farnesina, to see the Raphael frescoes of Pysche & Cupid, very disappointing, after we went to S. Maria in Frastevere, such a nice church, & we had such a nice guide who showed us everything of interest – the mosaics over the tribune are most beautiful & the pillars are lovely. Mother better, & up soon after lunch. I went to Pippa to lunch, & spent the afternoon there reading etc. Father went to the Embassy party, rather trying he said."
15 Alice writes to Alfred Littleton: "I am just allowed in the drawing room again after 10 days of influenza, so you may think this whole last month has been somewhat dreary. I am thankful to say we are both better now & Carice has been extremely well. We have had very bright days with hot sun but hard frosts & very cold in the shade. I hope now it will be milder & more equable & that we shall be able to have a few excursions & escape the noise of Rome for a few hours -"
16 "Mother better & up, went to church with Rosa & after we all 3 went to Pippa’s to lunch. After lunch, Father & Pippa went together to the concert, at least at 4 o’clock the first in the Corea, only stayed a little time, very poor orchestra & annoying orchestra. In the afternoon, Dr. Smallpeice came to syringe Mother’s ear which was most painful."
17 "Did not go out in the morning, Mother better & up before lunch. Father went out with Pippa to choose a piano, & then he had to go to the Doria & Colona gallery the former was shut & he could not find his way into the other, In the afternoon, Mother & I went a drive over the Janiculum, very nice, only Father did not come with us after all. Lovely springlike day."
18 "Pippa & I went for our Italian. Had Sgr. Romano. Wet day, drove there & back. Father went to the Doria Gallery, & admired the Velasquez enormously. Mother did not go out at all as it was too wet & damp."
19 "A. & C. in Miss Fane’s carriage to Tomb of C. Metella - Saw Church Quo Vadis also - Campagna lovely."
20 Elgar writes to Henry Clayton: "Many thanks for your enquiries: I have had influenza & as far as rest & quiet go our visit is quite hopeless & I can write nothing here except short trifles."
21 "E. A. C. & Pippa to Doria Gallery. A. cd. only stay short time."
22 "Father went & arranged about lessons at the Berlitz. I drove with Mother to Dr. S’s where she was inspected! & we walked back. In the afternoon, we had a most delightful drive with the Contesse Gigliucci, to the Tombe of Nerone, the view was not very clear as it as misty, but very lovely effects all the same. The Tombe is just a small tomb near the road. We got out to look more closely but so many dogs came round us, we thought it better to retire. Drove home the same way, on the way back, the footman got down, & pointed out a small sort of monument, which was erected to the memory of a man who had been killed, while they were manipulating a balloon. They took us to Latour’s (Palazzo Colonna) to have tea, & were so charming & nice. My favourite is Contessa Porzia, but the other is so nice too. Pippa came in the evening. Mother very much enjoyed the drive, & seemed better all day."
23 "E. & C. to see Max Fiedler."
24 "E. & C. to Castle S. Angelo in morning. To Pippa’s Monday tea - Count Bonaparte Primoli - oh! such a creature."
25 "Went to my Italian with Pippa. & back to lunch with her, & M. & F. came too. We were to have gone to the American college for tennis but it was too wet. We went home about 3."
26 "A. & C. to Sistine Chapel. E. met us in Piazza - To tea Don Roffredo, Pippa & Max Fiedler - Nice aftn. All stayed long & had long talks."
27 "Went to my lesson with Pippa & after lunch to hockey, a very good game indeed."
28 "E. busy correcting his booful Pt Songs not out much - After tea E. A. & C. to Brit. School. Dreadful Lecturer on Muragli of Sardinia."
29 "Fairly fine. In the afternoon Mother & I went a long drive round leaving notes & paying calls, to the Broadwoods, & Via Mascheroni & ended by going to tea with Mr. Hubbard."

March

11
Death of Reverend Benjamin Waugh, founder of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

12
The Mauretania sets new record time for an eastbound Atlantic passage of five days, five minutes.

23
Birth of U.S. actress Joan Crawford.

30
Home Rule Bill for Ireland passed by the House of Commons.

March
1 "Father & I went out early & took a tram to the Costanzi where we took tickets for the Barber of Seville at 4. Came back & went to church at S. Silvestro. Prof. Max Fiedler came to lunch, out first luncheon party, & a great success. Mother & Pippa went to the concert which they enjoyed pretty well! Father & I went off & thoroughly enjoyed our Barbieri, the Soprano was not good & common. Basilio splendid the others fair."
2 "Stormy & gray. E. & C. for walk C. to tea with Pippa - Dr. Smallpeice & Andrea to tea -"
3 "Father & I went up to the Costanzi & took tickets for the Barbieri again for the afternoon. Went to the Berlitz but found it all shut up, Festa! Went to Piazza Colonna to try & warn Pippa, but missed her. In the p.m. went to the opera, & sat there solidly to the end this time. Enjoyed it thoroughly, Basilio was very fine."
4 "In the morning we went to the Exhibition ‘Belli Arti’, not many pictures that we cared to look at twice! But nice to have seen it."
5 "E. & A. for delightful murk to S. Giorgio in Velabro - & S. Maria di Comedin - Palazzo Cenci, Fontane Tarteraghe &c - A. took C. to P. Balestra for Hockey -"
6 "C. with Smallpeice party to Frascati. E. A. & Pippa to S. John Lateran - Christian Museum. Then E. & A. to Restaurant Castelli dei Cesari - Lovely view, sunny & delightful. A. & Pippa to tea at the Excelsior & called at Embassy."
7 "Damp & Chilly E. & C. murked - Churches - A. & C. after lunch called Mrs. Wynn damp & raining. E. & Pippa to Cinemeto garden."
8 Alice writes to Alice Kilburn: "We are now, I hope, recovered from a long time of Influenza first E. & then me, & it seems to have taken weeks out of our time. I am only just beginning to feel a little hardy again. E. I am thankful to say is looking well & quite steeped in Roman lore & associations & Carice has been most flourishing. We shall not love England any the less, there is much which is fare more lovable in that blessed Isle, but we shall, I know, miss the bright vivid colouring & the ample space, of buildings & ruins &c – besides the endless interest of churches & monuments & art."
9 William McNaught writes to Elgar: "I have been gazing at “There is sweet music” and am longing to hear it done by a real live choir. It will give some conductors a bad quarter of an hour."
10 "C. & Pippa to American Academy. E. & A. to Lateran Museo."
11 "E. A. & C. to S. Peters to the Crypt, Mr. Hubbard & party. Very interesting. Dined with Pippa. E. & A. to Embassy. Portraits vivants. Great crowd -"
12 "Went to my Italian with Pippa. Father went to the Opera to get tickets for Tosca that evening. Mother went to lunch with Miss Fayne, & she & I went to pay one or two calls later, ending with tea at Lady Deed’s. In the evening we went to Tosca, it was very exciting, & well done, I thoroughly enjoyed it, & so did we all."
13 "E. A. & C. to S. Stefan Rotundo & S. Paul & S. John - Most interesting. Lovely exhilarating morning. Tea party at home. Mrs. Meynell, Dr. & Miss M. Maartens, Mr. Hubbard, Fosters, Mrs. Shaw, Major Guise Mr. Godsall. Abbot Gasquet. In Evening to Hotel Bristol where Mrs. Foster had Sistine Chapel singers pleasant time but very trying singing."
14 "E. A. & C. met Major Guise & party about 3. at Trastevere & walked to the Pamfili Doria Villa. Cold wind but lovely sun - Sat & walked in the grounds had lunch on a bank in the Sun"
15 "Wet but warmer - Too wet all the morning to go out but finer later. All to lunch with Pippa. E. & A. to Cinemetograph C. & Pippa to Concert. Pauzner - Sgambatis to dinner. Much music & nice Evening."
16 "E. A. & C. to Palazzo Massimo. A. & C. to tea with Pippa. Very interesting to see the Palazzo, open that day in commemoration of S. Philip Neri."
17 "E. & A. to Dr. Smallpeice. Doctored A.'s lip. A. to lunch with Pippa. Met Mrs. Meynell. Very wet - E. to french."
18 "Dined with Pippa & all to Opera Meistersinger. Very curious in Italian dress."
19 "Warm nice morning. E. & A. to see things on Sale. Mrs. Meynell to Sale with E. & A. Pleasant tea at home. Mrs. Meynell Dr. Ashby, Mr. Godsall Smallpeices Sina. Renzi &c."
20 "Had a ghost party Mrs. Meynell Dr. Ashby, Mr. Godsal whom we asked to come with us to Nemi."
21 "E. to Aventine. to Abbot Gasquet S. Benedict's Day. Met many interesting people, liked it all. A. & C. with Mr. Godsall to Nemi - Lovely day."
22 "E. very busy. A. & C. to San Sylvestro, & Pincian. Hot like Summer. E. A. & C. to lunch with Pippa - Thomasina came -"
23 "E. busy. E. A. C. & Pippa to lunch on the Aventine. Lovely. Then to Protestant Cemetery - At 6 E. & A. to Palazzo Caetani. Most nice visit. D. & D. Sermoneta & Don Roffredo."
24 "Went to my lesson with Pippa. Mother & Pippa & I drove out to American Galley, really could not stay for tennis as had to be back at 5."
25 "Dined with Pippa. E. & she to Madame Butterfly -"
26 Elgar writes to Charles Lee Williams: "I have just received the full score of the little suite which you kindly allowed me to dedicate to you. I am asking Messrs. Novello to send you a copy: this you should receive soon. I should like to have added an inscription – but I can do this in the summer, D.V. where I shall hope to cycle over & write your name with a treeeeeeeeeeeeemblinnnnnnnnnnng hand – after a 30 miles spin (Beer!)"
27 "Left home at 9. Arr. Florence, rather nice journey with Sig. Placci - Went out & over Ponte Vecchio - &c - Stayed at Hotel New York -"
28 "To the Uffizi all morning, Afternoon - Walked about To new opera Fausta in Evening - inane -"
29 "Poured with rain the whole day without stopping. Did not go out all day. Mother & Father went out in the morning to the Pitti & to Santa Croce, Pippa too, Did not go out again. Pippa out in the p.m. Father tried to go to theatre but crowds."
30 "To San Marco - lovely morning. Saw the Bambini on the Hospital & the Church of the Annunziata Afternoon Piazza Mangelo - to call on Markes."
31 "E. & C. to the Pitti & thro’ to the Uffizi. To Fiesole in afternoon. A. & C. up to the Francescan Convent -"

April

5
Birth of actress Bette Davis.

14
The Danish Parliament grants vote to men and women over 25.

17
The Cunard liner Mauretania beats the previous Atlantic crossing record by one minute.

22
Death of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Liberal Prime Minister 1905-8.

25
Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Newcastle United 3-1 in the F.A. Cup final at Crystal Palace.

April
1 "Went to Bargello. In the p.m. Pippa was engaged so we 3 went to Fiesole."
2 "Saw Benozzo Gozzoli Palazzo Riceardi Or Michaele & Churches. After lunch to Cauti Galli chose a Della Robbia &c - Walked about -"
3 "Saw Palazzo Vecchio & shopped. Left by 1 - Stuffy train - Arr. Rome 6.30. Found Strike. Man with barrow took luggage. Mail carts guarded by armed soldiers."
4 Alice writes to Vera Raikes: "Just a line to tell you we are back from Florence where we had a delightful week. We find such a strange Rome – not a carriage, not a train, not an omnibus, shops closed, all the Post Carts guarded by soldiers with muskets & soldiers everywhere. Most interesting to see – The stillness is so extraordinary after the noise generally here. Fortunately one thoughtful servant has a man & barrow to meet the train & it was a lovely evening to walk home."
5 "A. & C. to S. Sylvestro. E. by hissouse. E. & C. for walk after lunch. A. & Pippa to Concert. Busoni - hopeless orchestra!"
6 "E. raser tired still. A. to Dr. Smallpeice, lip - E. A. & C. to Baths of Caracalla after lunch - very nice. Don Roffredo to tea. E. played to him. Dined with Pippa."
7 "Very stormy & gale - gah - E. C. & Pippa to Cinemetograph Sacred - very impressive."
8 Elgar writes to May Grefton: "I went to a solemn lunch at S. Anselm's (Abbot Gasquet] ) it was very nice indeed: St. Benedict's day: guests were Prince Radziwill, Lord G. Fitzgerald, a Belgian minister & me. We dined in Hall & amongst other amusements were entertained by an old-one of the last of them-Improvisatoro! Words were given to him - which he read out & then he recited poems on them: very clever indeed & - useless but distinctly amusing."
9 Elgar writes to Tertius Noble: "I was very glad to hear all your news & that Gerontius is really to be given in York under your sympathetic direction: good luck to you & your chorus."
10 "E. & A. to P. Orsini. Brodsky 4t. very delightful & well arranged."
11 Luigi Mancinelli writes to Elgar: "I was exceedingly sorry to hear that your eyes were bad enough to prevent your being present at my concert and I hope that you will soon be better. Your note was brought to me just as I was about to begin the “Gerontius Prélude” which was played by the orchestra “con amore” and greeted by the public with a sincere burst of applause."
12 "Mother & I went to S. Peter’s. It was very nice to see the procession."
13 "Very wet - did not go to last 4t. Concert - or Pippa’s tea -"
14 "C. to Italian -"
15 "A. & C. to Tenebrae at S. Luigi dei Francesi. A. & C. to call at P. Orsini. & Jays. Tea at Embassy - Dr. & Mrs. Brodsky to dinner. very nice Evening - E. played to them."
16 "A. took C. to Hockey. Dr. S. did A's lip again. To Quirinal Piazza to hear band. Saw Ld. Northampton unexpectedly. Came to see us after dinner."
17 "E. met Ld N. & boy & showed them things A. & C. to Monsigr. Vaughan's Sermon S. Sylvestro in P.M. Lord Northampton & boy to tea & long visit - E. played to him."
18 "E. A. & C. to buy Censer for Pippa. To many Churches & Mamertine Priest & S. Luca Accademia - E. & Pippa in P.M. to Sacred Play. A. & C. shopping &c preparing for visit to Sistine Chapel."
19 It was Easter Sunday: "Made Lèry to lunch & tea. Wet morning. A. & C. to Sistine Chapel at 6.30 - Saw the Pope enter, but miserable places & failure of any beauty or impressiveness came away. Dined with Pippa. E. played Apostles - E. & C. in morning to S. John Lateran."
20 "Very wet. E. & C. long murk to Quo Vadis, Tombs of the Scipios & Churches. C. to Pippa’s tea. Lady Alice Fitzwilliam came & stayed to tea. Very wet."
21 "Blowing, disagreeable. A. to Dr. Smallpeice - E. & A. to French about packing China &c -"
22 Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "We are just packing up & I am rather in a hurried mood. I have just read your wire & have sent a reply. I am sorry about the new work but it is impossible, & has been impossible in this noisy place to settle down to any work of any length beyond the part-songs which you will soon see. I cannot afford a studio!"0
23 "Went with Pippa to Italian, had a nice lesson, Signorina Cesano. Came home & went to hockey, shot 2 goals!"
24 "Had a lovely French lesson. After Mother & I went out & did shopping. I bought the other little temple, a Sta Ceclia, & p.cs. Father not very well. Luthe afternoon Don Roffredo came to tea & played Father some of his music. Also Hubbards & Pippa. After dinner Mother & I went to the Gigliuccis, & had such a pleasant visit."
25 "Fine morning but cloudy. F. & M. went to the Vatican Sculpture then to the Villa Madama had lunch at the Olins, then to Papa Giulio & home about 4-30. Father much better. To his lesson in the evening. I spent all day with Pippa reading outside in her loggia etc."
26 Roffredo Caetani writes to Elgar: "Would you and Lady Elgar like to drive in the motor tomorrow and go and see the castle of Sermoneta.- I would come and fetch you at 9.30 tomorrow morning, we would lunch at the castle (40 miles from Rome) and be back towards 5 o/clock. Countess Spoelberch would come with us (she is a very interesting lady of Brussels very much occupied with art and a great admirer of yours and she would wish so much to make your acquaintance) As with you and Lady Elgar we would be four I am afraid that there would be no room for Miss Elgar, except if you did not mind sitting with me in front."
27 "E. & A. with Don Roffredo & Vicomtes Shoelberch to Sermoneta in motor. Lovely day & wonderful country. Old wonderful Castle & town - Don Gelaseo Griscoms Parishs & another to lunch - Lovely drive back - Ninfa most striking C.’s first dinner party."
28 "E. took photographs. A. & C. a little shopping &c - E. A. & C. to dinner at Palazzo Caetani - Duke & Duchess, 3 Polignacs, Prince Caramanchimag, Countess Grefuhle, Don Roffredo & brother & 2 other men - Caetanis always delightful -"
29 "E. & C. to Tivoli - A. raser a cold. Lovely hot day. E. & C. enjoyed it vesy muss."
30 Elgar writes to Dr. John Borland: "Am about to leave for Naples. I enclose cheque for one guinea for the Cummings Address. Thank you for arrange for me to sign the memorial on passing through town without inconvenience to yourself. I fear it will not be possible for me to be in London in June but we can talk of this later."

May

11
In Britain a proposed Official Secrets Bill is postponed owing to press objections.

17
In Washington crowds see the arrival of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.

20
Birth of the American actor James Stewart.

22
The Wright brothers register a flying machine at the U.S. Patent Office.

28
Birth of the British writer Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond books.

May
1 Packing up.
2 Elgar write to Ivor Atkins about the forthcoming Three Choirs Festival: "You have done nobly. I congratulate you on the list. It really looks fine & I am delighted."
3 Packing up.
4 "Very busy arranging departure dined with Pippa -"
5 "A. felt vesy badsley, Dr. Smallpeice came to see her. Inventory in P.M. Lunched with Pippa. Omnibus late. E. & C. came in it with luggage. A. & Pippa by cab, nearly 2 accidents & then drove into tram, horrid sight - had to walk on. Major Guise to see us off arrived Naples about 11 P.M."
6 "Lovely day. At Parkers Hotel. To Holmes about passage - then lunch at primitive restaurant & to Museo - More wonderful than ever - Saw picture galleries & wonderful bronzes in them -"
7 "A. badsley cold. Stayed in bed. E. & C. to Pompei - Had a satisfactory day."
8 "Busy packing &c. Started after lunch & arrived fairly comfortably on Ship - Ortona - Lovely day. E. very small cabin A. raser mis. about it."
9 "Lovely day, pleasant voyage. Saw Sardinia & Corsica &c -"
10 At sea.
11 At sea.
12 At sea.
13 At sea.
14 "Blowy & not very interesting."
15 "Reached Plymouth. Sailed along south coast. Many landed there. Less cold."
16 "Reached Tilbury Early. breakfasted about 8. Waited till 1 before train started. Wearisome. Went to Langham. Frank came to see us very soon & sent A. lovely roses. To Diana Dobson's in Evening -"
17 "E. badsley headache. A. & C. to Westminster Cathedral then to see Frank. E. came then & went with Frank to Miss Schuster's then to L. Williams. then to Beresfords. Enjoyed his souse."
18 "E. A. & C. to Mr. L. Williams. E. & C. to "When Knights were bold""
19 "C. to Mr. L. Williams. A. & C. to Academy then to Norwood. A. returned late. E. & A. dined at Langham."
20 "A. busy shopping. E. vesy busy. E. & A. to Nikisch Concert at 3. heard the wonderful Variations Nikisch took odd tempi. E. & A. to Meistersinger. P. Pitt's box, dined with him & Mr. Kalisch at the Waldorf. Wonderful orchestra."
21 "Dear Dr. Richter called early A. to Mr. L. Williams? Shopped E. busy. E. & A. to Gay Lord Qeux - very fine & rather terrible - Hare wonderful."
22 "C. came up from Norwood to Mr. L. Williams with K. Dighton, then to Langham. Shopped - took C. to Mr. W. Lang. Good report D.G. E. to Tristan in Lady Charles' box - A. & C. busy. Saw Corolla pixtures."
23 "A. & C. heard Band play March in D. at Buckingham Palace in A.M. Very busy packing after taking C. to Mr. L. Williams. E. met A. & C. at S. Pancras. A. & C. had been to Albert Hall & heard Land of Hope & the splendid Marching Song. Then all to Ridgehurst."
24 "E. A. & C. at Ridgehurst. Mr. Pollock, Mr. R. Buhlig, Mrs. Wedgwood Mr. Shakespeare Mr. & Mrs. Pownall - very nice visit."
25 "E. A. & C. left Ridgehurst 10.30? A. unpacked for E. at Langham then home with C. Found May dear all well & house beginning to be arranged -"
26 "E. at Langham - Hard days at house."
27 "Hard days at house - Hard work at house."
28 "C. & May to Church. Still working hard at house -"
29 "E. returned 5 train. Connolly Cab. very well D.G. Began looking at letters &c. Very fine & warm & lovely."
30 "E. vesy peased with house & country. Began struggling with mass of correspondence."
31 "C. & May to Belmont. Very hot. Dr. Sinclair Rose & Mr. Brevett & Mr. Hull to tea."

June

11
Opening of the Rotherhithe Tunnel under the River Thames.

14
The German Reichstag passes a fourth navy bill, calling for sharp increase in shipbuilding.

22
At Wimbledon, Charlotte Sterry, 37, becomes the oldest ladies' champion.

27
Lord Northcliffe buys The Times from the Walter family.

30
In London, Suffragettes besiege the House of Commons.

June
1 "E. depressed about bicycling on account of Motors."
2 "E.'s dear birthday. Rather depressed. Short ride & much clearing & arranging."
3 Elgar writes to Jaeger: "I can only write sadly about myself - I have done some good work in my life & now I can only get orders (which will keep my people in necessaries) for rot of kinds & I must do it. I have no intention of completing my oratorio cycle or whatever it is"
4 "E. C. & May out for bicycling day to escape vacuum cleaner."
5 "Plate chest fetched. Connolly cab. Lovely weather."
6 "Lovely hot day. E. busy. Box from Rome came. Great unpacking, pretty ladies &c -"
7 "A. raser badsley not out. E. & C. & May to Belmont. Troyte came to lunch."
8 "A. vesy badsley, had Dr. Collens & had to stay in bed. Troyte left in P.M. E. badsley headache. Found pretty ladies were signs of Zodiac -"
9 "A. badsley - Dr. Collens -"
10 "Dr. Collens came."
11 "Dr. Collens came - E's new booful carpet put down."
12 "Dr. Sinclair & Ivor Atkins came up in P.M. E. played them his Pt. Songs - & went to the practise Fest. after dinner."
13 Elgar writes to Jaeger: "I can't answer your letter at this moment. I can't say I have anything more important to do, but it must be done & done now. Oh! such a tune"
14 "A. better. Dr. Collens came. E. not vesy well - went for ride late with C."
15 Alice writes to Jaeger: "Mrs. Worthington is here for a night & sends her love & says she is coming to see you. She will have it put in the N.Y. Review so do arrange that. E. sends his love, you have heard from him by now, & he wants to say to you the “Sym. is AI” it is gorgeous, steeped in beauty. he is quite absorbed in it."
16 "Pippa left 12.50. Connolly car cab. E. working. Did carpentering all the aftn. A. walked in garden."
17 At work on the symphony.
18 "E. C. & May to Belmont - Lovely day. A. to Worcester to see house for Fest. Went over the Chappells house called at the Atkins - & so home -"
19 "E. deep in his musics - Lovely weather -"
20 "A. wrote to take King's School House for Fest."
21 "E. & A. not out, Mrs. Giles to tea. E. played Symphony to her."
22 "E. deep in his musics."
23 "Dora Penny came - Cycled from Wolverhampton."
24 "Dr. Sinclair & Dr. C. Palmer dined here. Very pleasant Evening - E. played his pt. Songs & Symphony."
25 Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "I am so deadly sorry - I have been sick & ailing in the poitrine & lower: better now, but the doctor thinks I must potter about here a little. The Symphony grows - a squalling child with teeth & hair, look you."
26 "Dora Penny left riding to Gloucester. Ivor Atkins came up late. E. in bed headache. Transported with Tilly Koenen in Gerontius."
27 Wulstan Atkins recalls: "Atkins went up to Plas Gwyn, where he found Elgar in bed with severe earache. They talked about Koenen, and Elgar told him that the symphony was now progressing fast."
28 "Lovely day E. & A. at 8 to Town Church -" E. & C. rode late -
29 "E. wrote all day, possessed with his Symphony. Rode & then went to Fest. Rehearsal -"
30 Elgar made a note on a symphony sketch: "painted the Tub green."

July

2
The Medical Journal 'The Lancet' decrees that men who wear coloured shirts are slovenly.

6
A Papal decree says that the U.K., U.S.A., Canada, and Holland are no longer missionary lands.

14
At the Olympic Games in London Melvin Sheppard takes gold in the 1,500 meters and equals the world record.

16
Fire breaks out in Moorgate tube station in London.

July
1 "Pt. Songs, wonderful came. E. to Birmingham at 2.20 - Connolly cab. Meeting Bir’m Concert Committee Rode home with C. & May."
2 Frank Schuster writes to Alice: "Thank you for the wonderful epoch making 4 part songs – they are to the older kind what E’s oratorios are to the ‘Elijah’!"
3 "Good news of E. Saw Mr. Littleton. Long meeting Musical League - Very hot day, Mrs. Humphreys to tea."
4 "Very hot. E. went to the Hut. Found Miss Schuster there - Enjoyed his souse thoroughly."
5 "E. played his Symphony. F. quite wild with enthusiasm. Max Beerbohm there too."
6 "E. & Frank to London - E. stayed at Langham. A. to Cox & Painter Connolly cab & bought velvet dress - tea with Fittons very pleasant time there."
7 "E. home all safes, D.G. by corridor - Connolly - Full of the pleasant visit & sympathetic society. Looked so well."
8 "Stormy day. The King & Queen passed through Hereford in aftn. Tickets for platform sent us, but E. did not like to go like that. E. & A. saw the Royal train steam some way. Groups in fields to see it - E. settling down to his Symphony again. Dr. Collens came."
9 George Moore writes to Elgar: "Again you have disappeared and I do not know why! You seemed glad to see me when I met you in London; and I gave you “The Lake” and Lord Howard de Walden’s play which you liked when I told you the story. Did the reading discourage you from all thought of using it as a libretto?"
10 "Very wild wind &,torrents of rain. Lilies & Campanulas blown about. Lilies lovely. E. immersed in his Symphony. Ivor Atkins came about 4. E. & he had a little walk. lvor to Rehearsal."
11 "E. to Birmingham 8.40 train. Connolly cab. A. not very well & not let go - Very wild & stormy. Ivor Atkins by same train. E. was in the procession - Dreadfully bad headache - Home 6.40. Stray cab."
12 Elgar writes to John West about the piano arrangements of the second Wand of Youth Suite: "I find the arrangement excellent & thank you for the trouble you have taken. One or two suggestions are on the proof but don't adopt them unless you think fit."
13 Elgar writes to Toni de Navarro: "I am very busy with a symphony - twenty years ago I should have thoughtlessly said 'my' symphony: but I have lived long enough to know nothing is mine - certainly not the sounds one is permitted to weave together."
14 Tonia Speyer writes from Ridgehurst: "We are so inexpressibly happy and proud of the bit of the concerto which he gave my husband! The latter came up rushing to me to tell me of it this morning at once and we are both most deeply grateful for and touched by this so exquisitely delicate thought of Edward’s! –"
15 Elgar writes to Troyte Griffith: "I wish you would help me over the necessary stone for my father & mother's grave: can't I have something nice? must two honest old burghers have a trade-memento - bought by the dozen? And then about material? What is possible for a lean purse with expensive tastes? Cast off your assumed brute-selfishness & help me - I believe you wrote it out for me once but, if so it's lost & I'm knowledgeless. Perhaps you will come over on Sunday & all will do then but something shd. be done soon."
16 In response to an invitation to the Three Choirs Festival, Arthur Benson writes to Alice: "I wish to thank you for your kindest of invitations, but regret to say that I dare not accept it, because I am so uncertain what my movements will be for the next two or three months. I expect that I shall probably be away travelling in September, as am still by no means well, and am most anxious to return to Cambridge for next term – I have never yet been able to throw off entirely the sleeplessness from which I was suffering last Autumn, and though I am in many ways much better than I was, I am still obliged to consult, and what is worse, obey the doctors! It is a great disappointment to me to have to write thus, especially which I look at the list of works to be performed. But I am none the less grateful to you and Sir Edward for your kindness."
17 "E. Connelly cab. E. to Worcester 9.40 Fest Committee Meeting made blazing speech Lunched with Leicesters. Visited cemetery. Afterwards to I. Atkins & Cathedral. Home 7.45 stray cab. A. to Cox & Painter - Connolly cab corridor (sic) - Very stormy. Walked to Miss Smarts & talked a long time. Miss S. very fragile but dear as ever. Lawn & Hills looked very lovely & full of memories."
18 Work continues on the Symphony.
19 "E. C. & May to Belmont & lovely ride, Lower Eaton &c afterwards. A. to Church at 11 - hotter."
20 "Fine at last though a little threatening E. very hard at work & very tired. too windy."
21 Walford Davies writes to Elgar: "I am so glad you are writing or have written a Symphony. It is great news. And is the Third Part of the Apostles going on? I hope the Finale will transcend it all. "
22 "E. had proofs of P. & Circumstance No.4 - Worked at them all the morning. Heavy thunderstorm & torrents of rain again in the afternoon - Mr. S. Powell arrived before 7. E. met him with Connolly cab. Rain washed gravel under gate difficult to open for guest."
23 "Lovely weather. E. working at speed. A. & Mrs. Capper to Symond's garden party - Connolly Victoria -"
24 "E. hard at work. Dr. Sinclair came up."
25 "E. working all day - Lovely weather - trying to arrange Ostende Concert. E. & A. dined with Dr. Sinclair -"
26 Francesco Berger writes from the Royal Philharmonic Society: "It will afford the Directors infinite gratification if you will conduct an entire Concert in their approaching season:- and in order to be able to include your new Symphony (after Richter will have played it) they ask you to do so on the 3 March. You can scarcely form any idea of how much your consent means, and how earnestly they hope you will accept their invitation."
27 "A. with Mrs. Underwood to Miss Cresswells - E. C. & May to Ullinswick."
28 Symphony writing!
29 "A. & C. to London at 6.20 Connolly cab. Went to Pippa C. to Mr. L. Williams with Pippa. Dr. Smallpeice came & lunched Saw A. & C. Both with Pippa to horrid play. Then to Paddington & so home 10 P.M. Trust Dr. advice will help. E. had had a day's writing."
30 Lord Northampton writes to Elgar: "How I should like to be with you & have you at Worcester but I shall be in Scotland & the distance is too great. Why do all the finest things come at the wrong time?"
31 "E. returned by the late train enjoyed seeing Warwick depressed at Birmgm. prospects gloomy. Connolly cab. Expected M. Lyons till midnight. A. & C. to the Stanhopes - Sale of work &c"

August

13
Enrico Caruso's wife elopes; his comment - "It was the very thing I desired".

18
Seventy-three miners are killed ina pit explosion in Lancashire pit explosion. There are only three survivors.

17
In Constantinople a fire destroys 2,000 homes and shops.

27
Birth of U.S.A President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

August
1 Elgar writes to Richter about the symphony: "... two movements go the printer; it is not good enough for you."
2 Alice writes to Canon Gorton: "Edward sends much love, he is rapt in his Symphony & can hardly bear to leave it. I trust you & Mrs. Gorton will hear it some day, it seems to me wonderful, so noble & beautiful."
3 "Very very hot. E. hard at work. Mrs. Wedgewood & boy came Early saw C.’s flower collection & lunched then A. & C. with them in car for long drive & plant hunting."
4 "Very fine but became windy & cloudy. E. rapt in his Scherzo. Worked all day. Short ride after tea."
5 "Not so hot. E. trying to finish his Scherzo. Very badly all P.M. distressingly so. C. to Acworths - Connolly cab. Pippa came Connolly cab - E. better in Evening. Pippa brought the birdies. E. better & able to be down in Evening."
6 "E. at work - Pippa for walk into town &c -"
7 "All for lovely drive, Connelly Car, to Grosmont. Saw Castle & Church. E. & A. to see the Catholic Church & Priest. Most lovely. Brilliant hot day - played Cribbage! Pippa excited."
8 "Lovely day. Pippa ordered car & took is to Tintern - Perfectly lovely drive & place. Spent long time there, lovely drive back rather late. E. loved it all -"
9 Elgar writes to Carice: "This is to say that Peter is well & extremely active & seems to enjoy his roof garden very much. We leave tomorrow for Ostend at 6.20 (!) and arrive at about 7.30."
10 "Pippa left. Connelly cab. Left (E. & A.) at 6-20. Connolly cab nearly missed train. Left luggage at Charing Cross, went to Novellos & E. left the first movements of his Symphony, then to L. Williams but engaged, & then to Stores, lunched there & back to Charing Cross & started at 2.20. Lovely voyage. Princess Elizabeth Secy met us. Hated the Hotel du Rhone."
11 Alice writes to Carice: "Hotel du Phare Ostende. Tuesday. Here all safe. Faser muss better, Splendid orch, & all going on well. Not a minute. Dear love yr. C.A.E."
12 "Rehearsal at 9.30 - but rather delayed by ladies rehearsing. Splendid rehearsal. Ruiskopf & Secy &c mad about Variations. Tinel &c listening. E. to lunch at Kursaal with Ruiskopf, Secy, Blitz, Tinel, V. D'Indy, Gilson, Bosch &c. Very pleasant time. To Lakmé in Evg. Most shocked - left after 2nd Act."
13 Alice writes to Carice: "So glad to have card & hope you have nice weather. Blowing & pouring here. Splendid rehearsal, Caractacus March gorgeous. Orch breaks into applause continually. Quite enjoying ourselves. Kursaal very comfortable & concert every evening. Opera last evening. Very dull. Did not stay to last act. Leave Saturday ab 11."
14 "E. to Rehearsal at 10. A. went up soon. T. Koenen did not come till about 11. Rehearsal splendid. Afterwards E. rehearsed Koenen with piano - then back to Phau. Wet, then cleared & E. & A. to end of Pier lovely air & sun. Dr. Blitz to dinner & drove to Hall together. Brilliant fanfare from Orch greeted E. In the South Splendid Koenen did not know her Songs but made some effect. Piano parts rather lost in rustle of vast audience (7000?) Great ovation & then suddenly ‘God Save the King' most stirring & affecting, proud to be English. Then E. recalled again & again. Then E. changed in Ruiskopf’s room, & we were invited to a “petit berre de Champagne” & sat with Ruiskopf, Secy. & Dr. Blitz to a very late hour - Hotel turned out quite nice & friendly"
15 "E. & A. left Hotel du Phau & went on board the Léopold 11. Lovely morning. About 1 hour late in starting. Nice Secy. came on board to see us. Very crowded but lovely day & Sea. Arr. Charing Cross about 1 hr. late so went to Langham. E. & A. to Queen's Hall Promenade Concert after dinner. 1st Wand of Youth & March No. 4 much enthusiasm."
16 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "We are safely back so far but the steamer was so late yesterday that we could not get through to Hereford as we had intended. Everything was a great success at Ostend & most pleasantly arranged & carried out. A splendid orchestra & a joy to conduct."
17 "E. & A. at the Langham. E. to Glyn & Novello. A. a little shopping. Then to Paddington with luggage & on to Exhn. Pictures magnificent E. very careful of A. taxies & Bath Chair! Zank Zu - Home 6.10 train - Connolly cab."
18 "E. feeling his way to his Symphony again. A. busy with house. Dr. Collens came -"
19 "A. very busy trying to make house as nice as possible. E. hard at work at Slow movement. Mr. & Mrs. Speyer arrived at.5. E. & C. met them. Connolly cab. (ours). Dear to have & so happy to come. The grey day cleared & we had lovely walk to river by Littey in sunshine. They loved it! Very nice evening."
20 "Mr. & Mrs. Speyer here. Very gray & wet. Ordered car but too wet to go. All but A. to Cathedral in P.M. & much enjoyed it. Ivor Atkins & Troyte arrived. All very congenial spirits & very nice Evening."
21 "Mr. & Mrs. Speyer left at 12.50. Connolly cab, he sd. he shd pay. Said they had never enjoyed a visit so much & dear Tonia seemed so happy. None of us out afterwards."
22 "E. playing La Tosca, & going on orchestrating Slow movement. After lunch he & May for long ride to Hole in the Wall & tea at Ross & so home. In Evening played Tosca, Barbiere & then Meistersinger."
23 "Very wet - E. finished orchestrating the slow movement of Symphony. Most beautiful."
24 "E. busy with his swallows & fitting up stable for Chemistry."
25 Working at the Symphony.
26 Working at the Symphony.
27 "E. deep in Finale of Symphony. A. C. & May by 12.50 train. Connolly cab to Worcester & Malvern. A. went over house again & to Cathedral Rehearsal with Lady Croft. Connolly cab part of way home -"
28 "E. very busy, finished practically, sketch of Finale. For a short ride. A. & C. to Lamberts. Met Anna Palmer from old, olden days -"
29 "E. wrote resigning Birm. Busy till moment of starting. To the Hut at 12.50 train - Connelly cab. A. C. & May to Organ recital, Connelly cab there - Tea Mrs. Giles -"
30 "E. at The Hut. A. C. & May to Church at 8. Perfect morning, Stormy later."
31 Frank Schuster writes to Alice: "I must congratulate you on Edward’s condition – I have not seen him in such health of body and mind for years! I think it is in a great part due to that superb Symphony, the composition of which should many any man radiant beyond measure – only it didn’t follow that it would have this effect on Edward, and it is as glorious to behold him as it is to listen to it! I told him I think it is going to sweep all before it - always excepting – I hope – his other works."

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