Elgar portrait -
from a painting belonging to Arthur Reynolds

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


1907

January

2
In France, the latest anti-clerical law forbids the crucifix in schools.

11
Birth of the French politician Pierre Mendes-France.

13
Test begin on a balloon that the U.S. Army Signal Corps has purchased from France.

24
Arctic weather grips Europe - it is -30 degrees Farenheit in Austria.

26
The U.S. Congress outlaws direct corporate campaign contributions.

29
A company is formed in New York to market eels to be burned to generate light.

January
1 "Fair weather, not rough in Bay but rather a curious swell. Not very lively people on board The Captn. at whose table we were very nice & Rathdonnells & a speakable Mr. Harland next E. & a nice Mrs. Neson (Ceylon) just beyond - God grant a happy year for E. & C. & us all -"
2 "Arrived at Gibraltar about or before 8 Very fine to see & lovely warm day. Were to go on shore but E. did not feel well & had headache & had pain below throat. Asked the Dr. who said it was a cyst & gave him iodine to paint it with. Too late to go on shore but very fine to see. Started about 11.30 or 12 - & had lovely afternoon like summer & glorious views of Rock & Spanish Coast. Sierra Nevada, snow capped. Lovely Evening out on deck. Rough night."
3 "Nice morning but colder & soon got into a real gale - Sea fine to see & such wind Continued all the Evening & night Difficult to walk about Tremendous waves hurling against ship. Knocked officer & seaman over in course of it. Became quite friends with Lord & Lady Rathdonnel - Bored by old Lord Ellenborough -"
4 "Arrived Marseilles about 4.30. So rough & gale cd. not go into port. Stayed about 7 miles out. People went off by tender - Busy packing &c - Very cold but sunny - Late in aftn. perishing with cold but had to stay on deck watching arrivals on tender. Blown nearly to pieces & tender careering 4 times round great circle before it cd. be caught by Ship, then wide step to get in & steep ladder to ascent against the wind - Mis�re - They had to drive about 7 miles out of Marseilles I believe -"
5 Canon Gorton writes to his daughter: "You must tell your mother that there is no need to bring a great supply of boots for the great luxury here is the Capri boot 3 francs. I am not certain what the Elgars are going to do. I shall possibly go into Naples on Monday morning to meet them. They land tomorrow at 7 o�clock. I expect they have had a horrible voyage."
6 "Fine morning saw Naples as soon as up. Arrived about 8 - or before - Many went off early. E. & A. stayed & saw Palmer's Hotel man & arranged. Tender long time returning, coaling began, confusion about luggage. At last got off - & got into omnibus After Dogana without as much disagreeable as expected. Had to wait long for Omnibus & then long drive up very high. Fine view but A. rather disappointed with it. E. very tired - After lunch had a short rather horrid walk, at least dirty, fowl, goat street. Bay &c"
7 Alice writes to her cousin Willie Raikes: "I trust you & dear V. & At. Vee & C are all well. We are feeling quite settled here & having lovely summer weather. We have not seen much yet, busy settling. Hope to write to dear V. soon � Love to all yr af C.A.E."
8 "Parker' s Hotel - Corse Victor Emannuele. E. & A. & Canon Gorton & guide started for Pompeii Drove to station. Not very nice morning - Before we reached Pompei, began to rain. Then rain & snow showers & very cold - Much impressed. Very touching to see the figures in Museum & all the home remains. Then the beautiful things & the Casa Vitti. Beautiful view from Temple of Jupiter - After lunch returned - Day cleared but too late to do more - E. & the Canon great billiards in Evening."
9 "Expecting Frank [Schuster] in the Bremen. Went down to Quay & waited considerable time. Bitter cold wind. At last he & Barry came. So pleased - Found he wanted to go to Pompei so went to station, much difficulty to find when train went. To lunch at Hotel Cavour, not a smart place! & then to Pompei. A delightful time there had Guide 15 & much enjoyed it. Saw Theatres & beautiful house lately scavita & Temple of Isis &c - Then at tea found train did not stop! so drove to Annunziata Station & so back. F. & B. to dinner, then they started to join Bremen - Very delightful day - only very cold. Lovely views of mountains from Pompei."
10 "After breakfast E. & A. out with Canon Gorton. Had a long hideous walk & eventually arrived at road by the Sea & saw the Aquarium. Very interesting. Saw the Octopus fed! - Ghastly. After lunch E. rested & A. & Canon G. went to Museo - Drove, dreadfully cold, saw beautiful things. Had tea in Galerie Humberto & found photo shop & bought some. Then took train but had to change in such a horrid part that A. took cab free fight over that. Frightful place."
11 Elgar writes to Carcie: "This hotel my child, is dull: the English may sit round the dining room like a caricature by Canon D�hele; comic to a visible degree. The little paint approves of it with one exception - Eggs. (Is it eggs?). Lady E. absolutely refuses to trust the eggs. Could they not keep one hen in Parker�s Hotel? When an egg appears she says �m�m � m�m � I�ve seen them things before� I left her in bed this a.m. with one � inch of nose above the sheet making remarks. We found it so slow here that I proposed a Italian dejeuney (where�s the accent? put it in, my child): we went up a Gasse, vico I mean & fled: they were clipping a donkey on the main staircase in the courtyard � a man assured us it was the restaurant & after some time we found our �rest aright� in the same �rest a wrong� (the young man!) Bish, dearest, it was funny food albeit the wine (free) very good & Alassioish. I thought of you."
12 Elgar writes to Berrows Worcester Journal: "I have been travelling for some time, and have only just seen a paragraph, copies fro some other paper, referring in a mistaken way to the assistance I had the honour to give Mr. W. Wolstenholme in his examinations for his Mus. Bac. degree. I regret that my absence from England prevented my correcting statements calculated to give some measure of annoyance to Mr. Wolstenholme."
13 "E. much worried over expense & seemed inclined to go home instead of to Capri at 7 A.M -"
14 "E. liking Capri - A. in bed & room all day -"
15 "E. woke with headache so he & A. breakfasted in bed. E. enjoying the brightness. Not quite so sunny early. Went to have his hair cut & then played a duet with Mr. Barber & a guitar came & an admiring crowd. E. much amused. A . down to lunch. After that talked to 2 nice girls sculptors who begged E.'s autograph. They found us at the Babker�s! & gave E. a rose buttonhole & gave me jonquils & roses. Then they returned to Naples. E. & the Canon for a walk - A. not out any more - A turn in the garden -"
16 Elgar writes to Carice: " & trios with the barbers! In the barber's shops in Spain & in Italy they often have all sorts of instruments & strum away themselves: so after my hair was cut I took a hand my child: we woke things up. Mandoline & Violin: then the barber got excited by my exquisite performance & fetched another barber with a guitar: we played a March & a Polka & Canto popolaris, got a crowd round the door. I then gave them a solo, with guitar accpt by barber No. 2 & we are sworn brothers: we performed again yesterday afternoon."
17 "Dr. Cuomo began treatment [on Elgar's throat] 1st Arsenic" &c &c -"
18 "Quite a nice day - After lunch (E. & the Canon to the old Castello previously) E & A & the Canon to the Villa Tiberio - Long walk to the high point. Very interesting ruins & wonderful position. Touching to see the statue of the Blessed Virgin high above all & the votive offerings of ships in the Chapel. Terrible to look down about 2000 ft. Stopped & saw 2 girls dance Tarentella on way down - Went in to the clean Tavern - where they danced had white wine."
19 "Sunny but cold wind For a walk with Canon G. before lunch, a poky rather tinkneelly walk - After lunch down the Krupp walks to the Sea lay on shingle & read Canon G.�s Ludlow Legend transcription Tiring walk up with heavy coat - Too cold for E. who seemed to get a new cold -"
20 Elgar writes to Carice: "I caught a cold sitting on the shore yesterday I fear: the wind was getting up then. Thee little paint is quite delighted with my doctor (Cuomo) who really seem very clever indeed & tries all the new capers: he knows of such nice things, like Formaldehyded cotton wool to put up the snoot & breathe thro when coldified; this & many other japes win the heart of the paint & then he is most, most particular about disinfecting everything � the paint-brush for my throat (now discarded) had to be boiled every day &c &c. The paint got the portable furnace to work with a will: she is great in disinfection. To my joy & her discomfiture he went off � he welters, he had brought carbolic solution, alcohol presses, &, & of! my child, Ether: the paint behoves the last freely well but �M�m, - m�m, I�ve seen them things &c� comes on. All the doors & window are but open & it soon goes off: but it tries the poor little paint�s devotion very much. Today I�ve missed my music & my least of barbers are disconsolate."
21 ... and again to Carice: "Lady Elgar absolutely refuses to ride a donkey! There are some on offer: I want to try one but I falter. If zu was here we would certainly try one � one each I mean."
22 Axel Munthe writes to Elgar from Karlsruhe: "Dear Sir Edgar, I receive this moment the letter of my friend Leo Schuster telling me of your arrival in Capri. I am here with my patient the Crownprincess of Sweden and do not expect to leave for Italy till second week of Febr. I am exceedingly sorry not to be able to receive you in my house and show you what attention in my power. I hope you intend to remain on the island for some time and that I may still find you there on my return."
23 "Very wet. high wind - wretched weather. Dr. Cuomo applied Arsenic. E. very dood - Out for a walk with the Canon in P.M. to Grande Marina. Dr. Cuomo lunched with us - E. & A. walked up before lunch to see the Juno in the mountains & Vesuvio - all white - Gale - mail late for steamer so no letters."
24 "Gale during night. Gleams of Sun & said to be warmer. Dr. C. applied Listrine."
25 "Still hoping for better weather."
26 Alice writes to Carice: "We have had a chronic gale of wind such a noise all night but the days have been tolerable & we have been out a good deal, a nice mild soft air but not much sun � we go down & see the steamer arrive & have a lovely view all the way & then drive back to lunch � such an idle plan & then have a long walk after lunch, really a lovely one with Canon G. today only I could not go round the curve on a little tiny path, Oh! ever so high � gah! � Faser has been a little livery but is much better today, I expect we are better off for climate than anywhere but of course it if very dull, there is rather a nice German & his wife but he had never heard of Richard Strauss he is hardly advanced in world knowledge. A nephew of the Wordsworths lives here, & they solemnly called yesterday so I shall have to go & return it! �"
27 Elgar writes to Carice: "Well: it has poured all night & thundered at times: this morning it was fine & we went to church: then a short walk & then heavy rain: it seems inclement before now & is warm, so we shall see what tomorrow brings forth."
28 "Still grey wretched weather - Spec we just walked -"
29 "Lovely morning, sunny no wind. E. & A. & Gortons out. Suddenly E. decided to take boat at Piccola Marina - Had nice boat & 3 sailors & went to White & Red Grottoes - Most wonderful & different from anythg. else. Red Grotto rather frightening. The sea hurls itself with such sinister boom against the vaulted rock at end of cavern - wonderful colours & lovely Corail de mer -"
30 Alice writes to Carice: "Faser look very much better & at last is really writing some letters, the blotting paper is rather creased so I do not know how long the doodness will last � He had a cable from America & is to take the Carmania from Liverpool on 2 March. They want him to conduct in Chicago wh. of course makes a great difference. It is a pity there is not a steamer from Naples at the right moment as it wd. save him journeys, though it was rather gastly to think of coming home alone � I hope we shall have a little time in Rome."
31 "Lovely sunny morning. E. & Canon Gorton to Anacapri E. wd not take coat, & wd. walk up - A. & Mrs. Gorton drove up to join them after lunch. Found E. looking pale & shivering. Walked a little way then rain began, Canon G. lent E. his cape & E. & A. walked back, without rain lovely view over Bay &c - E. delighted with Dr. Munthe�s beautiful Villa - quite wonderful -"

February

5
In Germany the Socialists routed in the final round of the Reichstag elections, losing to parties loyal to the Kaiser.

8
Revolution breaks out in Argentina.

14
A record number of suffragettes appear in London courts after clashes with the police.

28
Birth of the British poet Wystan Hugh Auden.

February
1 "E. rather porsley - rather chilled - from Thursday, & wretched weather - A. & Mrs. Gorton to call at the Wordsworths & then towards Villa Tiberio."
2 Frank Damrosch writes from New York to Elgar: "Just previous to the arrival of your letter from Capri, Mr. Gray informed Mr. Tuthill that you have decided to come after all and we are very glad that you have found it possible to arrange matters so as to accept our invitation."
3 Elgar writes to Carice: "I walked with Canon Gorton up to Anacapri & saw a villa belonging to Dr. Munthe a friend of Mr. Schusters. He is away at present: it is most lovely: full of old marble bronzes & furniture & most lovely gardens & terraces with statues &c &c. Would �twere mine."
4 Elgar's Uncle Henry writes from Worcester: "I was very pleased to get a letter from you to know where and how you are but am sorry that your eyes are still troubling you � I was at the Old Bank at Malvern the other day and Mrs. Oswell told me that she know the island very well she has stayed at Capri for some little time �"
5 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "I have decided to go to U.S. after all. Gray cabled about Chicago also & said do come: so I relented. I shall probably go straight from Naples. We have been having most dreadful weather: raining for days & gales. We have had nothing like the severe weather we have heard of on the mainland: we can see miles of snow but there is none here."
6 "Pouring rain at breakfast time then cleared & sun came out. Most lovely. E. & A. & Gortons out all the morning. After lunch to Anacapri & walked to the Pharo - or nearly to it. Most lovely - Warm & delightful. Myrtle, cistus, Rosemary in blossom one place E. & I sat down, & watched the surf against the rocks. Pan & Shepherds & Shepherdesses, Dryads & Nereids might be there - Lovely scent in the air - Lovely walk back - after "product of the soil" at Bitter's - Lovely all the way -"
7 "Very cold wind & grey so disappointing. Just managed a walk in afternoon - After dinner, what to do? So E. & A. went to the Gortons groping in the dark. Canon G. lighted them into the road with a candle in a strong wind -"
8 "Pouring with rain - Cleared after lunch E. & the Canon walked up to Anacapri & had coffee. A. & Mrs. C. met them & then all to the Piccola Marina - Wonderful blue green waves - & dashing spray. A. sat on a low stone & a great wave dashed against her! Soaked - began to rain again - Trying to make plans for return -"
9 "Warm day - Sirocco wind. Canon Gorton not well & E. very limp - not out much -"
10 Edward Capel Cure writes to Elgar: "An idea has struck me, that there is much scenic effect in the story of the Fall of Damascus � for outline of story � it has been dramatised by Hughes early in the century & I could get it out of the library if you thought the subject would suit opera."
11 "Stormy looking morning. After lunch E. & A. & Gortons started for Monte Salaro drove up to Anacapri Most beautiful & wonderful view, shapes beyond Sorrento &c A. did not look down the fearful steep place - E. did - Began to rain as we left. Coffee at Bitter's & walked back -"
12 "Preparing to start. Left by 3.30 steamer. Dear Canon Gorton & Mrs. G. with us to steamer - When they landed they lingered round & watched till steamer started. Very touching & we had a bad choke at leaving him. Lovely afternoon & voyage. Lovely coast by Sorrento & lovely Sunset, the isles in rose mist. Cook's man met us, & saved us from crowd & put us in train. Most comfortable journey. Arr. Rome 12.40 & went to Fischer's Park Hotel wh. we cd. not bear but had to stay the night. Cordial remarks of Dr. Cuomo & gave me lovely flowers."
13 Alice writes to Carice: "Darling, I have no paper & no ink but must write � Trust to have nice new of you soon but letters take 2 days from Capri here! We left yesterday at 3. Canon G. & Mrs. G. came to see us board the steamer & lingered & linger on the quay will we started. It gave me a hard choke to part with them - & he will miss Faser so much � we had a lovely voyage, views too beautiful & sunset, the Deutschland came into harbour just as we did � then Cook�s man, what a mercy is Tomaso Cooko, met us & saved us from the awful scrimmage &c - & out us into the train & we had a most comfortable journey dinner & fast aseep � arr. just before 12 � Then we hated the look of Fischer Park but slept as well as we cd. but cd. not bear it � Started & went to other Hotels up there, new part, ugly & dull � but no rooms so came down to the Bethells & had such a welcome - & are so happy & comsferable � Only the weather! pouring & cold � Yesterday was lovely. It was sad to leave Capri except for wanting to see zu & May � People (poor people) caught sight of Faser & began singing Salut d�amour - & you hear guitars & mandolins & singing everywhere � Dr. Cuomo gave me some lovely flowers �"
14 "After breakfast E. & A. to the Capitol - Saw the Capitoline Museum & the Conservatori Museum - E. did not care for M. Aurelius Statue. Very rainy & gray - A. rested & E. for a long walk. Very wet -"
15 "E. & A. to the Vatican saw the Sculpture Gallery & the Stanze - Sculpture wonderful. E. delighted. Again to S. Peter's - A. called on Miss Fane E. for a walk - Rome beginning to impress us deeply -"
16 "Finer - At 6 - E. had cast taken of hand - Paw - ducksie."
17 "Went to Mass at a Church in the Piazza del Popolo Walked on the Pincian - Very sunny & lovely - Had chocolate on the way & went to Concert. Sgambati there & Conductor & they came to our Palco & talked - Very pleasant -"
18 "Went to see the Paw first. It was good - Lunched with Miss Fane met Mr. & Mrs. Curtis & Monsignor Stanley - Then called at Grand Hotel to see if Dr. Munthe had come then to Museo Nazionale - E. quite overcome by the great bust of Juno - Then to Concert S. Cecilia - Very nice."
19 "Perosi called - Then E. & A. went to the Sgambati reception for E. - very pleasant. Lady Egerton came especially & talked to E. & A. Saw the charming Dr R. Caitano & Senior Embassy Prince &c" Elgar's friend Mary de Navarro recalled: "Perosi amused him greatly. After looking at some music Elgar was writing, he said: "Oh! Sir Elgar, you have a so good character. I have so very, very bad a character"; (he was alluding to the handwriting). Elgar, as always, saw the comic side; we, too, found Perosi's English, let us say, odd."
20 "E. met Perosi at 10.30 at the Vatican. E. returned enchanted with Borgia rooms & Pinturrichio &c. & Perosi�s rooms &c - After lunch at 2, Caitano came with Motor & took E. & A. lovely drive Via Appia anticha & then down frightful Course to the Nuova - Stayed to tea & talk. E. gave him a piece of M.S."
21 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "We leave this on Saturday for Paris & home: I must take my wife to Hereford and I sail by the Carmania March 2 (Cunard) I shall be at home (D.V.) on Tuesday or Wednesday till I sail. If trains fit I shall 'hop' out in London."
22 Elgar writes to Troytes Griffith: "This is the place of all places: I cannot tell you how wonderful it all (nearly all) is, & I must not stop to write a letter, which after all would not contain echoes of things better said a thousand times before: one thing I must say that Pinterrichio is the greatest descriptive contract of the whole lot: I have seen the inner rooms of the Vatican (not probably shewn) & am amazed."
23 "Finished packing. Went out & shopped a little. Said goodbye to Bethells, went to T. Cooko for news - reports alarming. Paulina embraced me! & all seemed sorry for E. to go. Perosi met us at train very affectionate. Views of S. Paulo from train Stopped at many stations - & continually & finally set down by the sea, the waves broke close below. They sd. we had to wait for a train out of tunnel, then 10 yards rail washed away at Levanto where we waited. I saw C. Columbus statue at Genoa."
24 "In train de Luxe, going on sometimes for a few minutes then stopping. Coffee after some waiting about 9 - Panniers for lunch at Turin at noon instead of 3 a.m. Then on to Modane, wonderful scenery snow mountains & deep snow all round - Thro� tunnel safe D.G. & then down fast. At dinner a carriage was cass�e people had to change. We passed a breakdown. All over Chocola was the engine somewhere past Genoa. Beds made up & slept again in train"
25 "Arrived in Paris about 5.30. Were called & left train about 6. Drove to Grand Hotel, wet streets dark, dismal - Room offered too cold So we had tea, then washed & went to Gare du Nord had some breakfast & got in to train at 9.50. Splendid journey & crossing & journey all by our souses to Charing Cross, E. stayed for luggage & A. went on to Langham. Had Baths before dinner. D.G. for seeing E. so well & all safe back & good account of C."
26 "E. & A. to Mr. Lloyd Williams & shopped & met at Paddington & started by the Corridor - E. wonderfully little tired - excited to think of seeing C. & May again - Arrived all safe corridor Dragon omnibus. C. & May met us, E. & C. walked up - D.G. to be home safe & find C. & M. & all well. Plas Gwyn looked delightful E. so pleased with everything."
27 Alice writes to Windflower: "We arrived last evening & my first lines from home are to you. So many thanks for your dear letter & invitation, it is horrid not to be able to come, but what is still more horrid is the reason, that the dear E. has to start on Saturday, 2 March, for U. S. A. in the Carmania, & as I have been away so long, he says I must stay at home now - He is to conduct �The Apostles� & �The Kingdom� in N. York, & an Orch. Concert in Chicago - I trust he will be home in April & I am thankful to say is taking a good nice man to look after him which is the one consolation to me."
28 "Very nice day. E. busy, letters &c - Into town Dragon in A.M. Shopping! A. left his Diamond stud in a box on approval. E. fortunately found it at J. & Carver's - Back in Dragon. E. & C. for long walk - Duchess & Miss Thomas to tea - Troyte came for the night -"

March

1
A Spanish Royal decree abolishes civil marriage.

8
The British House of Commons defeats a women's suffrage bill.

20
Being single becomes a crime in Fort Dodge, Iowa as all able-bodied people shall be required to obtain a license and wed within 60 days or be subject to a fine.

22
It is reported in Paris that male cab drivers masquerade as women to attract riders.

March
1 "Troyte left - Harold Brooke from Novello came after breakfast to go through proofs of the score of 'The Kingdom', Dr. Collens called - Cold grey day. E. & C. for walk in P.M. Dr. Sinclair at 5.30 to go through 'The Kingdom�. E. raser tired. Busy settling letters &c. A. very busy preparing for him. Cousins [Elgar's valet] arrived."
2 "Nice sunny, still day - E. left at 11.26 for Liverpool. In good spirits - Pray God all go well & to have him home safe & well. A. C. & May with him to Station, Dragon. Cousins with luggage in another - Sent him a book on Rome on way back - So glad he had Cousins. It makes A. happier."
3 "Lovely calm sunny day. Had 3 letters, all so dear & happy from E. Delighted with Carmania & his state room &c - Later a dear telegram from Queenstown, most well - A. not down all day."
4 "Had a dear letter & telsegram from E. from Queenstown Delighted with ship & voyage so far - Managed to avoid Prof. Knight & had Hungarian Baron next him - A. not down all day. May to Evening Orch. Concert. Dragon there & back -"
5 "Had delightful surprise having a radio from E. about 11.30 - Delightful voyage so far - May to Concert in aftn."
6 "Rather a nice day - Short walk with May."
7 "Rather grey day. Had Connolly Car & A. C. & May went. Called on Inglefield, Breinton, then on to Mrs. Brook at Almley. At home but unsettled house still. Back by Eardisley - Vesy dull without E -"
8 "Tea with Dr. Sinclair - Very dull wisout E."
9 "Rather wet - A. into town. Rose Littleton to dinner -"
10 "A. & C. & May to Church at 11. Rose Littleton came & fetched C. to Church at Hatteril A. & May to tea at Dr. Sinclair�s C. & Rose there, then to Church & Rose to supper - A. thought she might hear of E.�s arrival -"
11 "Expecting to hear from E. Cold day not out. Very busy clearing up & writing letters. About 5 a Cable came from E. �anemone� - so he had arrived safely. D.G."
12 "Read in D. Telegraph of arrival of Carmania in N. York. Retarded by gales, had heavy snow showers & a life boat swung away by a huge wave but all put straight again, mentioned that E. was on ship & that he presided at Concert on Thursday night - Longing to hear more -"
13 "May & Rose Littleton lunched with Mrs. Giles not back till late - oh? A. still clearing up & writing letters."
14 "Very cold wind. A. paid some calls - Miss Flavel to tea from High School - So dull wisout E."
15 "Much warmer - windy. A. into town - Longing to hear from E -"
16 "No more news yet. A. & C. to Malvern, walked to station. Bought clothes & went to Concert Club Concert - a dull one - Home 5.23 walked up. May to Dr. Sinclair's Organ Recital - Gale of wind & rainy -"
17 "A. C. & May to church at 11 -"
18 Elgar rehearsing in New York.
19 "�The Apostles' given at N. York - A. thinking & thinking of E -" The American reports: "At the conclusion, Mr. Frank Damrosch embraced Sir Edward Elgar with un-Teutonic fervour, to which Sir Edward responded with quite un�-British warmth."
20 "Rejoiceful cable from E. All well. It came about 5. A. nearly cabled for news thinking of so muss of E. after Concert."
21 "A. to Birmingham by 2.20 train - Travelled with Mrs. Giles & little Muzies pleasant. Drove to the Fiedlers - Had tea & then the talk - Dr. F. most nice & distressed that E. shd. be worried. Suggested plan about Lectures that A. had thought of. A. happy over it. Beautiful performance of 'The Kingdom' The Peytons fetched Fiedlers & A. Great audience. seemed deeply impressed. Peytons very nice - Dr. S. took A. town to Chorus & made her speak to them!"
22 Ernest Newman writes in the Birmingham Daily Post: "He has seen fit to fasten upon his own back the burden of an unwieldy, impossible scheme for three oratorios on the subject of the founding of the Church; and until that scheme is done with, and Elgar seeks inspiration in a subject of another type, the most sanguine of us cannot expect much from him in the way of fresh or really vital music. The wisest thing for him to do now is to abandon the idea of a third oratorio on the subject and turn his mind to other themes. These may bring him new inspiration and a new idiom; at present he is simply riding post-haste along the road that leads to nowhere."
23 Dr Vincenzo Cuomo writes to Alice: "I am most thankful to you for your kind letter of the 11th inst. It was extremely obliging and friendly of you to give me detailed information about your return home, knowing of my sincere interest both for Sir Edward and yours. You can imagine, Madam, with what pleasure and satisfaction I heard that Sir Edward�s improved appearance made on all his friends such a very good impression. You will certainly remember what I used to tell you during my treatment that the real benefit of the injected stuff would have been revealed in a more pronounced and decided way only later on, and I am sure the good effect of the treatment will keep a long time. I hope you received just in times the good news of Sir Edward�s happy arrival in New York. I quite imagine your joy by receiving the first Marconi�s message which was so reassuring, and I do trust you will get in future, during Sir Edward�s sojourn in America the best and most rejoycing news about his health and his unfailing artistic success."
24 "A. to Church early. Dragon - May to Church at 11 - C. rather a cold &c & not out all day - Dr. Sinclair & Mr. Ellis & Rose L. & Mrs. Underwood to tea. Wanted E. May & Rose to Cathedral. Dr. Sinclair played introduction to 'The Kingdom' before the service."
25 Mr. Church from the Carnegie Institute writes to Elgar: "Referring again to your note about the honorary degree, I communicated your views on this subject personally to the authorities of the Western University of Pennsylvania, and they are kind enough to say that they will be very glad to confer the honorary degree of LL.D. upon you at our dedication. Will you kindly say whether this will be acceptable to you."
26 "A. & Rose L. for long walk - Lovely day - Performance of 'The Kingdom�, at N. York - A's heart muss there." The New York Herald reports: "The performance was somewhat better than that of The Apostles last week and went with a somewhat broader flow, perhaps in part as a result of the greater familiarity of the chorus with Sir Edward�s beat. The solo singers were admiral and fully equal to their exacting and difficult task. They were Mrs. Corinne Rider-Kelsey who sang the solos attributed to the Virgin Mary with great beauty of style; Miss Janet Spencer, Mr. George Hamlin and Mr. Claude Cunningham. The last named, whose fervour and dignity in the interpretation of the music of St. Peter, had made an important progress in the art. After the solo �The Sun Goeth Down� Mrs. Kelsey was enthusiastically applauded, and she made Sir Edward Elgar turn and share it with her."
27 "Lovely cable from E. at 8 - 'Anemone. Splendid' So trusting the performance of 'The Kingdom' was very fine. So thankful - Dr. Collens came & advised our going to see Dr. Allport about C.�s eyes - pussy eyes."
28 "Dr. Collens came & syringed A.�s ears & saw May. A. & C. to Birmingham at 2.20 May as far as Worcester, Dragon - A. & C. saw Dr. Allport, only glasses wanted altering, nothing the matter with C. - D.G. Lost ourselves twice ordered glasses & home by 5.50 train. Walked up."
29 Elgar writes to Pietro d'Albo: "My dear Peter: I was at a restaurant � a busy one [zu never get zu rest aright at any rest a wrong] & after deciding on a steak [how much is there at stake?] I enquired for vegetables - & selected with deliberation & distinct professional pronunciation Boiled potatoes and a cauliflower: my exquisitely modulated request was transformed & shouted down a tube by the waiter in a hoarse voice:- �Colly & boiled � one!�"
30 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleon: "I went to Parsifal yesterday - it is an outrage!"
31 Elgar writes to Walter Damnrosch: "Give my love to your men & tell them how delighted I am with them: our 1st cello is an angel"

April

13
Twenty million people are reported starving in Russia in the worst famine on record.

6
The German Roentgen Society declares X-rays dangerous, and urges restricted use only.

11
Opening of the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh.

12
The Swiss government passes a law requiring military training for all males.

17
A Bill introduced in the House of Commons to create a Court of Appeal against criminal sentences.

20
Sheffield Wednesday beat holders Everton 2-1 in the F.A. Cup final at Crystal Palace.

April
1 "Lovely, hot day. Not out of garden. C. & Rose Littleton to Dynedor in the morning. Jack & Mrs. J. Littleton & Rose to dinner - Drefful wisout E. They seemed to enjoy themselves very much."
2 Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "Your most welcome, welcome letter came & I am just starting to Chicago so I send this card. I hope to have time for a letter in Chicago. The Italian post was awful. I had heaps of letters addressed only Capri which after all is no bigger than a decent ship!"
3 "Wet morning. A. thinking much about E. probably travelling to Chicago. A. to Malvern to have dresses altered. Tea with Miss Shaen. Found a darling Cable Anemone Chicago awaiting her -"
4 "Thinking about E. at Chicago & his rehearsal - Trust not too cold there. A. busy preparing for journey &c - Robin sitting on nest in coachhouse."
5 Elgar conducts his first concert in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune reports: "... The impression made by his personality is that of a man who is genuine, who underestimates himself and his abilities rather than overestimates them. There was nothing of egotism or parade about anything he did yesterday. The work was there to be done and he did it ... Sir Edward himself seemed genuinely pleased and his assertion after the concert that the "work of the orchestra surpassed all his expectations" evidently was the expression of his true feeling."
6 Elgar conducts a second concert in Chicago, with the Enigma Variations, In the South, and the first Pomp and Circumstance March. The Chicago Daily Tribune reports: "His beat is the long straight beat of the British bandmaster and it is frequently indefinite and unsteady. He stands with feet well apart and with body noticeably bent at the hips, and there is little of grace or flexibility about his leading."
7 Elgar gives a newspaper interview, having refused to lead prayers that New York might be spared a performance of Salome! In later years he recalled: "Richard Strauss's "Salome" was being given to the horror of some (presumably) ultra moral good folk. A deputation from these astounding people waited upon me and urged me to lead a private prayer meeting, to pray especially for the failure of Richard's Opera. A proposal which was so staggering and so screamingly absurd that I don't think that I have recovered from the shock even now. The mentality of certain "sections" in the U.S. is hard to believe and sometimes to bear."
8 Elgar leaves Chicago for Cincinnati.
9 Elgar writes to Carice on Cincinnati Country Club staionery: "My dearest Chuck, I bagged this envelope yesterday & thought the Nift wd. like to see the warm Country Club once more. I�ve just sent a letter to the Paintina & know there are snowstorms so I cannot go out. I have been so delighted to have your letters & have been wanting to write but it has been impossible: so awfully rushed. I�ll tell zu sings when I come back which will send zu hair up straight!"
10 Elgar arrives in Pittsburgh, and has a rehearsal later that day.
11 The opening of the enlarged Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh. The day concludes with a concert by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, including the Enigma Variations. "With the exception of the applause given Sir Edward Elgar, little attention was paid to the music. The whole company was busy seeing who was there. It was the most unrivalled exhibition of local wealth that Pittsburgh has ever seen and the best feature of the whole evening�s performance was the crowd of pretty girls and debutantes gowned in luxurious elegance. It took the audience nearly ten minutes to return to its seats after the warning bell rang following the intermission, and Sir Edward Elgar had to stand waiting his turn until they were all settled in their places before he could begin."
12 "Rather gray & cold - A. & C. to Crystal Palace in afternoon -"
13 "A. & C. to Monsieur Beaucaire. Dear At. Vee gave them nice places - C. delighted & A - E. conducting Variations & a Degree conferred at Pittsburgh"
14 Elgar writes from New York to the organist George Tertius Noble: "It was delightful to receive your letter here on my return from the Wild West: I have had an interesting tour but not devoid of the discomforts inseparable from travel in America."
15 "Joy, a cable from E. safely back in N. York - from Pittsburgh - A. & C. to lunch with Alice S.-Wortley - A. had a cold. Dear letter from E. from Chicago -
16 "A. in her room all day with cold - Dear letter from E. from Chicago -"
17 "A. down to lunch. Dark intervals, cold & rainy -"
18 "A. & C. left Norwood 11.19 - Drove from Paddington into town to 3 shops. Home by Corridor - Plas Gwyn looked very flowery & nice - Robins hatched - Thrush on nest by front door - Dear letter from E."
19 Elgar writes to Mrs. Walter Damrosch: "The wretched weather & a bad headache combined made it impossible for me to carry out many pleasant plans: worse than that I had to sacrifice my call upon you. I hope I may be more happy in my weather if ever I have the joy to come to America again."
20 The Worcester Herald reports: "Sir Edward Elgar sailed from New York on Saturday on the Campania. He said that he had nearly been killed by kindness, and was glad to escape and return home. His tour, the great composer declared, had impressed him with the vast increase in the number of music lovers among the American public. Sir Edward Elgar who during his visit has composed a good deal of new music, says he is considering writing an opera."
21 "Wet. soft steady rain. Dr. Collens to see A. ordered to stay in bed - 2 dear letters from E. from "Cinci� & Pittsburgh - Thinking of E. in the Sipp -"
22 "A. in bed & her room - gale! - Nice day after rain - No news of or from E."
23 "A. downstairs in aftn. C. had 1st bicycle lesson."
24 "A. down & out again in garden - Saw swallows 1st time this year. Robin busy feeding little ones & making touching lament at being watched - C. bicycle lesson -"
25 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "I am nearing home & am right glad to feel I shall (D.V.) soon be there. I have not much to say & will reserve 'talk' until we meet; I trust this may be soon. I have much to say about the disgraceful way old Carnegie has treated his �guests' - & the old fibber put me in quite a false position with Damrosch & the secretary of the Oratorio. He told them he was paying me 600� ($3,000) to come. Now he refuses to pay any of his 'guests' more than 16� (lowest possible fare!) each way & they are all at much expense!"
26 Carice writes to Mrs S W Raikes: "So many thanks for your letter. This is just to tell you Mother�s cold is better but she does not look very well yet. I will write again later but thought this card of Plas Gwyn might amuse you. That is supposed to be me, standing by the windows of Father�s study. I hope you are having nicer weather & that cousin Vee is too."
27 "C. bicycle lesson - got on well - Rather showery - Heard E. had arrived Liverpool - & at 4.30 Dragon to & from Station had the joy of seeing him arrive safe & well - D.G. though tired from not being able to sleep from vibration of ship Campania - In good spirits & loving being home - Inexpressible joy & thankfulness."
28 "E. very tired from want of sleep. Very stormy &c. E. & A. not out. Such intense joy to have E. back - must look & touch again & again to be sure it is real."
29 The Worcester Herald reports: "At a meeting held on Monday evening at the Birmingham University, under the presidency of Professor Fiedler, a musical society in connection with the University was successfully inaugurated. Sir Edward Elgar was elected president, and Professor Fiedler chairman. In his opening address, the latter observed that Sir Edward had expressed the hope that in the course of time Birmingham might become a sort of English Leipzig. There was plenty of talent among the members of the University, Sir Edward thought, but it was scattered, and the musical people did not even know each other. Concentration was needed, and the time was ripe to make a united effort. Sir Edward Elgar urged careful organisation."
30 "Lovely day - at least fairly so - E. loving every minute at home - taking C. out with bicycle in A.M. A. C. & May to Violet Capper's Wedding Dragon at Tupsley at 1.30 E. & they to Clyst - & E. & A. dined there that Evening. Sir Charles Walpole & Ord & E. long smoke late -"

May

10
A bill providing an old-age pension of five shillings a week to people over 65 gets a second reading in London.

13
Birth of the British novelist Daphne du Maurier.

14
Twenty-eight people are arrested in Russia for conspiring to kill the Czar.

18
The Women's Labour League holds its first conference, chaired by Mrs. Ramsay MacDonald.

22
Birth of the British actor Sir Laurence Olivier.

26
Sinn Fein proposes a boycott of British goods and businesses.

May
1 "E. & A. to Morecambe. [for the Festival] E. very reluctantly at 11.30 - Dreary place." On the way, Elgar writes to Carice: "In train near Wigan. My child: Why is Lancashire like a Judge? Because it has it�s Wigan."
2 Morecambe - E. to Hall in the morning & A.. E. rather tired of it all - but very dood & busy - Long Concert in Evening. E. in red box all the time. E. & A. dined at Rectory. Missed the dear Canon & Mrs. G. much -"
3 "Morecambe - Nothing in Hall all day, E. to Lancaster, had lunch there, saw the Church & Castle &c. w ith A. - J. Coates sang splendidly - & Brodsky Quartett fine - Very wet night -"
4 "E. to Hall in good time. Very exciting day. E. so dood in red box. E. & A. & Dr. W. Davies lunched at Midland Hotel. Wonderful Male choirs sang E.'s Greek Pt Song. E. not back till just in time to dress. Very exciting evg. Difficult for judges. Dr. McNaught & Dr. W. Davies arranged for combined choirs to sing "Cast me� & E. conducted splendid 'Evening Sc.� beautiful in aftn. E. made splendid speech."
5 "Morecambe - E. vesy tired - A. to church. Col. & Mrs. Foster sent carriage at 12.30 & E. & A. had very restful pleasant drive to Hornby Castle - Very nice visit very nice girls. Walked in garden & E. saw much with Col. Foster, the Church &c - About 6.30. They sent E. & A. back in motor very pleasant."
6 "Morecambe - E. & A. left at 10.15 Long journey with changes - Lovely day - ended with thunderstorm at home - Arrd. at 4. Dragon -"
7 "Trying to clear up again - Very stormy. E. trying air guns & shooting very well. Dr. Sinclair came up -"
8 "Very windy - E. to look at the fair. Our dear Wedding day. D.G."
9 William Burnet Tuthill writes to Elgar from New York: "Mr Damrosch read me your letter written on the steamship - Just dispossess your mind of any notion that we think you a �money grabber�. Mr. Carnegie�s behaviour in the matter is quite on a par with what I have found in this tangential gentleman. Three distinct times - at his own house - when I was speaking to him of the coming of your good self - he told the arrangements that had been proposed, all - by the way - previous to the suggestion of Dr. Damrosch, that you come to us."
10 Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "I am back & very well, except mine eyne which give out after an hour or two's work. I find millions of things to do & a tangled heap of letters to weary through. I was going to suggest your coming over, but I must go away for a few days on Monday. After Whit-tide will ye no come? & if the weather holds fair couldn't we go out & marvel at churches & eat in the open air?"
11 The Worcester Herald reports: "Sir Edward Elgar is proposed for membership of the Royal Yacht Squadron."
12 "E. & A. & C. & May to Belmont - Connelly Car - Lovely day, very hot. Then home by Callow & Green Crise perfectly lovely - Troyte to lunch - After tea E., he, & C. for a ride"
13 "E. to London via Birmingham 8.40 train. Dragon - Trust all go well - Lovely day, fresher - Birds wonderful - E. arrived late in London. Went to Opera "Lustige Weiber von Windsor" found it very dull -"
14 "E. at Langham - raser badsley headache. Went to Novello - Dull sunless day - Masonic function laying foundation stone of turret of Cathedral - Clematis perfectly beautiful. Bathroom being renovated - new Bath &c."
15 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "I was too much rushed this morning to come round & I hope to go out to suburban friends this p.m. I shall be back anyhow tomorrow and will call at Wardour st about 12: if you should be away or invisible let me hear if you can."
16 "E. at Langham - In Evening to part of Philc. Concert with Mrs. Worthington -"
17 "E. home by corridor & Pippa came too - E. all well, D.G. Clematis &c, all lovely & nest & little birds - E. vesy peased - Bath room finished in Evening."
18 "Very chilly. E. & A. & Pippa for drive Connelly car, in afternoon, Eardisland, perfectly lovely, Weobley &c."
19 "E. & A. C. May, Pippa & Mr. Kalisch to Belmont at 10-15. Lovely there & finer. big car - Connelly - Lovely drive afterwards by Callow & Aconbury & Green Crize - most lovely. Saw Plover on road & little ones, E. picked one up & showed us - most darling. To Belmont in car again at 4. Carice confirmed. Very quiet & beautiful ceremony. All to tea with the Bishop Abbot afterwards."
20 "Mr. Kalisch returned to town at 12--. Connelly cab. Pippa & E. for a walk. Canon Dolman dined here -"
21 "Dull rainy day. E. busy writing. Pippa to tea with Dr. Sinclair. A. & May to Hatteril to see Littletons before they left for town."
22 ""Pippa� left - corridor. Lovely day E. & May to Dinmore - & the Knights Templar Presbytery - A. to tea with Mrs. Underwood & then to see Miss Morris re Rokeby garden."
23 Elgar receives a letter from his optician, William Lang: "Many thanks for the specimen page. I now understand why you eyes resent being put to such work � simply looking at the blank lines fatigues one, writing on them must be much worse. If you can come in & see me when next you are in town I should like to hear how you arrange your light & in what position you wit when writing &c � as sometimes little details make a great difference. I see the difficulty of the situation & I am certain that if you don�t feel equal to doing the work easily & without causing your eyes to ache � it will be wiser to take a longer rest rather than to go back to work & make them worse �"
24 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "By this post I am sending to Wardour St two little things from the old sketches & Church things: they may do to go with the tiny 'Aye verum' but the editor must decide: the 'Cantiones Sacrae' is what I mean. They are tender little plants so treat them kindly whatever is their fate."
25 "Lovely day. E. out by 7 - rode to Broxton? near Pembridge. Exquisite day. Sent A. telsegram from Eardisley - where he lunched."
26 "Dull morning - rainy - E. & A. C. May to Belmont Connelly car. E. & C. & May for short ride."
27 "Nice day - rather thundery hot - E. for ride in afternoon. C. to swimming."
28 Elgar writes to August Jaeger: "We are altogether enjoying the summer when the weather will let us: some days hot & then very cold as is today. There is really no news: all goes steadily on: I shall be fifty next week they tell me, but I don't know it: I have my pipe & the bicycle & a heavenly country to ride in - so an end. I take no interest whatever in music now & just 'edit' a few old boyish M.S.S. - music is off."
29 "Cold wind. Mr. Reed (tenor) to go through 'The Kingdom' with E. Afterwards E. took him for short ride. After luncheon E. C. & May for ride & tea out. Hatteril gardener & plants came."
30 "E. A. C. & May to Belmont, Connelly car - Very wet. Procession, in the Cathedral. E. busy writing. Pouring rain -"
31 Admiral Charles Beresford writes to Elgar: "Thank you for your charming letter. I much wish that we could have met in the States. I should have enjoyed it. However I hope that I may look forward to having you once again in the �Surprise� when Lady Charles is once more on board It would be real pleasure both to her and myself. Lady Charles is absolutely happy on board this ship I am just on my way back from Chatham where I have been looking at some of my derelicts which are �ready at an instants notice without one hours delay� so say the Admiralty,"

June

5
The Epsom Derby is won by Orby.

8
Britain declares it will not withdraw from India under any circumstances.

9
The aviator Santos-Dumont's combined airplane and airship is wrecked on its first trial.

12
A bill to allow women to sit on county and borough councils gets its second reading in London.

24
The Prince of Wales made first President of the All England Club on the opening day of Wimbledon.

June
1 "Fine morning. After lunch E. C. & May bicycled and had tea at Moorhampton. Home without rain - Heavy storm here - C. greatly delighted & rode well - In morning E. & A. with boomerang to Littey fields E. cd. not make it return"
2 "E.�s dear dear birthday. Trying to him as usual. All to Belmont. Connelly car. Lovely round afterwards by Madeley &c - chilly day. but sunshine - rainstorms. Dr. Sinclair to tea - E. wrote lovely new pt. song "Love", while A. C. & May were at evening Church. Wrote C.A.E. on it - wh. made A. feel very unworthy & deeply deeply touched."
3 "Upper Bathroom begun - E. sketched lovely pt. Song - Longfellow's words. Gale of wind - deplorable to see waving leafy boughs & plants - To Sherridge (E. & A.) in Connelly new car -about 3 P.M. left C. & May at Baths. Lovely. E. & A. vesy happy - Very touching going through Cradley & seeing the dear old spots - & a great choke thinking of dear At. Clem. Lovely views Tea at Sherridge & then called at the Norrest & saw Mrs. Norbury &c. Lovely drive home. Rose to dinner E. played old Netherland music roars of laughter."
4 "Grey day - After lunch E. & May rode to Ullinswick saw the Church, & were invited to tea at the Rectory. Very kind people. Most quiet & isolated. Must have been electrified to see E. & hear him talk -"
5 "E. by 8.40 train Dragon to Birmgh. met by Gran all lunched with Prof. Fiedler. E. saw Lord Mayor &c about Concert scheme - Stopped at Worcester as he returned - Home 7.50. Connelly cab. Heard in the morning that E.'s brother Frank wd. give him the old iron chest at a birthday remembrance -" Ivor Atkins notes about his visit to Worcester: "He had been turning over in his mind ideas for a fourth Pomp and Circumstance March, which he said he would dedicate to Sinclair, and that he was now ready to start work on it. He also mentioned that for some time, 'off and on', he had been working on a Children's Overture, using old material dating back to the time when he had been 12 and had composed some music for a play which he and his brothers and sisters had written for their parents."
6 "High wind & very chilly. E. hard at work at his March - Out after tea for short ride with C."
7 "Cloudy - E. finished his beautiful Pomp & Circumstance March No. 4. Asked Dr. Sinclair to come up & hear it at 2. Then he & E. C. & May rode off together. E. C. & May to tea at Mornington -"
8 "Warmer & fine. E. started bicycling, perhaps towards London - started about 11.30 Heard from about 4.30 - safe at Evesham after lovely ride - Called at the Croft. Very mis to hear nothing more that Evening - Upper Bathroom finished -"
9 "C. & May to Church Early - A. at 11- No news of E. heavy storm at 4.30 to 5 - trust he was not in it - Lovely summer day. Trust may still hear this Evening. A did not hear that Evening."
10 "E. had had to stop at Stratford on Avon for Sunday wind & storms. Started at 6 to ride again but was driven back by wind so took train & met A. at Paddington to her gt. surprise & pleasure. A. had started 7.45 train Connolly Cab. Doubtful if Langham cd. take us. A. shopping. Called on Pippa &c. Found E. installed in a room on return. Joy. E. & A. to Fliegende Holl�nder, fine performance in Evening." Elgar writes to Carice: "My dear Cheeild: Here we are safe: the paint is tired that is the little paint. I could not ride the wind was too high & I have partly come on by train. I think I shall give up the thought. I met the paint 1 o�c & now (5.30 collapsed on the bed: we have not long known that we could have a room & we have only this by the merest change. The paintina arrived at 11.30 I brought her here a 11.50 she immediately went off shopping etc & hurried lunch sent messages to 50 people � drove to the dentist paid a cab for Mrs. Worthington � came back here � unpacked & has subsided quietly flat. I have arranged to take her to the opera tonight � but she is extremely �paintish� & I can�t find out anything she would really like to do! zu know � Mrs. W. is talking to her now."
11 The Kingdom is performed at Cambridge: "E. & A. by 11.10 train to Cambridge. Met Pippa, Claude, Lady Maud & Sidney Colvins at King's Cross. Most lovely day weather & all. S. Colvins had a lunch for us all at Trinity, had a lovely walk along the backs first. Then to Kings Coll. Chapel Perfectly beautiful - Very good performance. Then lovely aftn. tea with Mr. Benson, saw Magdalene & Pepys� Library &c & then back to Langham." Benson noted in his diarty: "Elgar was interesting. He told me his eyes were overstrained and he could do no work - then he said simply that it was no sort of pleasure to him to hear The Kingdom, because it was so far behind what he had dreamed of. It only caused him shame and sorrow � He seemed all strung on wires, and confessed that he had petitioned for a seat close to the door so that he might rush out if overcome - by shame and sorrow, I suppose."
12 Elgar writes again to Carice: "Darling chuck, We are getting on very well: we went to Cambridge & got back safely. Pretty sight. - Last night we rested & this am went to the sculptor he �busted a sculp� this is a good frase."
13 Lord Northampton writes to Elgar: "My dearest Friend, Would Wednesday suit you for us to come to Hereford. I shall motor there. Is there any place for my man & motor to put up near your house. It will be such a joy."
14 Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "I have been thinking over the Stanford work & feel with you that it ought to be done, [the Stabat Mater] & I will do all I can to help it through & popularise', as it were, the idea."
15 "Busy clearing up -"
16 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "I was so sorry I cd. not see you, principally owing to that sculptor business; what a ghastly nuisance it is! Alice convoyed a little part song to Wardour st - unimportant but perhaps worth printing. The score of the Kingdom arrived yesterday & I send very many thanks & admiration for it: it is really a splendid 'book' - the printing could not be better & is worthy of the glorious Hall in Wardour Street from which it comes."
17 Berrows Worcester Journal reports: "The thirty-third rehearsal of the Leeds Festival Chorus took place on Monday evening in the Philosophical Hall. The rehearsal was of special interest in view of the fact that Sir Edward Elgar attended, and conducted his own work, �The Kingdom�. Mr. F. R. Spark, the hon. secretary, introduced Sir Edward, who had a cordial reception. Mr. Spark said that their visitor stood in the foremost ranks of composers. In 1898 Sir Edward Elgar�s �Caractacus� was given at the festival, and it was one of the most charming works that he had written. Sir Edward Elgar expressed the pleasure he had felt at meeting the chorus. He had very pleasant recollections of �Caractacus�. He thought, however, that it was the chorus who made the work and not the composer. Speaking of the chorus he was rehearsing, he said he was much struck with the magnificent tone. The way in which some of the passages were produced was thrilling. There was a full attendance, and the rehearsal was in every way a success."
18 "E. left Leeds at about 11 - went to Birm. Had meeting at 5 - then home by 7.5 train Connelly cab."
19 "Rather better day. A. busy preparing for dear guest. E. to Agricultural Show in A.M. Lord Northampton did not arrive till nearly 8. Car broke down &c - So genial & delighted to see us - May invited by Pippa to go abroad with her -"
20 "Old Chest arrived from Worcester. Windy & gray. Lord Northampton seemed to enjoy talking & sitting at the Piano while E. corrected his P. & C. proofs - & played pedals in Bach. Nice dear talk with A. After lunch out in his car - car broke down, rain poured. He taught E. & C. wild Patience game before dinner. After we took him to Cathedral & Dr. Sinclair played organ."
21 "Very windy but rather finer. E. rather a chill. Lord Northampton left soon after 9. Dear & delightful & seemingly delighted guest. E. decided to give up going to the Hut & to Windsor."
22 "At home instead of at Windsor. Very windy, chilly & stormy. E. raser a chill & not up to it - Very busy with Old Chest. Troyte came after tea. Too rough for any going out for E."
23 "Windy - stormy - E. raser a cold - not out all day. A. to Church at 11 - Mrs. Giles & granddaughter to tea. Troyte rode home after tea. Very busy at the old Chest. Colours came out wonderfully. E. writing out his Children's Music."
24 "Gray. windy, rain comme toujours - May left 7.45 train for Mrs. Pippa & Paris &c - Connolly cab. Dragon for C. to school -"
25 "Hilda Munn came to tea - E. & C. short ride Hampton Bishop? &c -"
26 "E. much playing & writing. E. C. & Hilda to Burghill. Merry patience playing."
27 "E. much music. Playing great beautiful tune [The motto theme from the first Symphony] - E. C. & Hilda to Hoar Wood - Rain came over - Much patience playing."
28 "C. had holiday - on account of examns. E. & C.& Hilda to Hoarwithy to lunch delightful ride - Much patience playing."
29 "Hilda Munn left at 2 somethg. train. Connelly Cab. Heavy storm - Troyte arrived riding escaped storm -"
30 "Troyte here - E. & A. & C. Connolly Car to Belmont - very cold & gray - Stormy afternoon -"

July

7
The U.S. Aeronautic Corps is formed as a division of the Army Signal Corps.

11
The Directors of Olympia decide to hold an annual horse show.

16
Birth of the actress Barbara Stanwyck.

25
Twenty boys begin a scouting holiday in Dorset organised by Sir Robert Baden-Powell.

27
Princess Henry of Battenberg launches the dreadnought, HMS Bellerophon.

July
1 "E. & Troyte rode to Withington E. home again - A. to Malvern. Troyte travelled with her - A. had Connoly (sic) cab. Home about 5 - Walked up. E. busy with his pieces."
2 "E. trying to get out but so chilly & stormy. Vesy busy with his swallows -"
3 "Mary Hickie left - had been here 3 years."
4 "Very stormy & chilly. E. to Gloucester at 1. train for Rehearsal -" Wulstan Atkins: "They met in Gloucester at the full-chorus rehearsal, where Elgar was conducting both The Apostles and The Kingdom. The rehearsal went well and Elgar seemed very pleased. He told Atkins that on 6 July he was going to Birmingham to have an honorary MA conferred upon him, and that on this occasion he was really looking forward to going to the University. No professorial lecture this time. He also said that the Wand of Youth was progressing well, that much was now ready to be played over, and he hoped to start work on sketches for a symphony and a violin concerto."
5 A". busy packing &c - A. & E. left Connolly cab at 2.25 train. Mr. Peyton met us & took us to Universy. At 5 nice meeting. Good speeches. E. in the Chair - Then to the Peytons E. came later Nice dinner party. Delightful Neville Chamberlain &c -" The Worcestershire Chronicle reports: "Speaking at a meeting of the Birmingham University Musical Society on Friday, Sir Edward Elgar observed that he had never been able to gush over pianos like most people. Some day pianos would, no doubt, be looked upon as a curiosity, and probably at a very early date. The mechanical player was multiplying so rapidly that the human piano player would probably disappear."
6 "Stormy - chilly - E. & A. at the Peytons. E. into town early - Dear old Mr. Peyton in a brown cloak playing his nice Orchestrelle all the morning. Then to Town Hall found C. & Rose there having left at 8.40. Nice procession, E. with pitty new hood, & had tremendous reception. Then to luncheon of Graduates, C. & Rose to the Peytons, & so home Connolly Cab at 6 - nice to be home. Nice little visit & all pleasant." The Birmingham Daily Mail reports: "There was much cheering as the distinguished composer, Sir Edward Elgar, Peyton Professor of Music, stepped forward to receive the degree of Master of Arts."
7 "E. & C. rode to Belmont & home by Holm Lacey. A. to town Church. Gray & Chilly afternoon. Mr. Littleton & Rose to tea -"
8 "Very chilly. E. took C. to school - chilly day. E. & C. for ride in aftn. threatening rain so rode about purlieus & eventually to Withington. & then to tea very famished! at Hatteril. A. there -"
9 "Finer morning. E. started with bag on bicycle about 11.15. Heavy rain soon. Telegraphed he had had lovely ride & was going by train from Cleobury Mortimer So glad to hear - cleared about 2.30 - Chilly A. found going to the town. A. had fire in drawing room & table by fire like winter plan."
10 "E. at Stoke. W. Grafton pweaked at A. telephone. & sd. he was very well & wd. like to stay another day. Finer but heavy hail & rain showers. Cool air. Fire. Table by fire in drawing room winter plan. A. & C. Winifred Norbury who came to lunch. Rose to Rose show - Glad to escape. Mrs. Bourne to tea - pleasant talk."
11 "E. at Stoke - Heavy storms -"
12 "E. rode home from Stoke. Lovely day, not too hot. Came by Gt. Witley & Bromyard - & enjoyed it much - A. & C. Connolly Victoria to Fownhope called on Notts & tea & pleasant visit at Morney Cross -"
13 "Lovely day - not hot. E. & C. for long ride in afternoon King's Thorn &c - C. collided with old gentleman on tricycle - neither hurt. D.G."
14 "E. A. & C. to Belmont Connolly car - afterwards lovely round by King's Thorn. Fine day getting much warmer - Hot close evening. Rose to lunch & tea -"
15 "E. to Rhayder at 9.22 train - Connolly cab - C. with him to H. School. E. lunched with the Duchess & Miss Thomas & then drove them up to a Bungalow to be let. Dined with them - Fairly pleased -"
16 "Splendid day, very hot & sunny. E. returned from Rhayader 12.20 train - Connolly cab. Decided not to take the Bungalow - Garden & roses lovely - Dr. E. Walker arrived about 4 - Had Connolly Car at 5 & had lovely drive, King's Thorn & Hoarwithy. Dr. Walker not mad about Nature I shd. say." Ernest Walker recalls the visit: "He spoke of his experiments in chemistry which the day before had caused an explosion; he had picked up something that was on fire and had thrown it into the water-butt which, in protest, burst, setting free a big stream down the drive."
17 "Splendid day. Very hot. Garden lovely. Roses, sweet peas coming, escholzia, Campannias &c - 2nd flight of swallows fled - E. took one down for me to see in the morning, darling. Dr. & Mrs. East motored over to tea. He advised A. for stupid rheumatism. Dr. Walker went to the Cathedral after breakfast & left by 12.50 train Connolly hansom - not a thrilling visitor."
18 "Very hot close day, E. not out much."
19 "Very hot & fine - E. rode to Abergavenny part of the way back - Amused at fishing record book in Inn -"
20 "A. & C. to Canon Dolman in A.M. E. took C. to School for Bazaar &c after lunch then rode by Holm Lacey &c. So hot he lay by road side & slept -"
21 "E. & C. rode to Belmont. Very hot & close - Rose to lunch. Afternoon about 2.30 - great storm began with clouds of dust & wind then terrific lightning & thunder - & rain. lasted 2 hours or more. Wonderful lightning, heaviest storm known in Hereford Sh. for years -" The Worcester Herald reports: "The storms which visited Herefordshire on Sunday and Monday are stated to have been the worst experienced within living memory. Enormous damage has been done to crops � a fire was caused at a drapery establishment in Hereford through lightning fusing electric wires. Many cases of horses being killed by lightning are reported."
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 "Mr. Austin came by early train. E. & he worked at proofs of P. & Circumstance No. 4 all the morning. After lunch lovely drive in Connolly car to Madeley & Kilpeck, then car took Mr. Austin to station. Both guests thoroughly enjoyed it. Cool & grey for scenery -"
24 Mr. S. Powell & A. to see All Saints, then he to station, Connolly cab. E. raser badsley headache. Did not go out of garden. Dr. Sinclair, Dr. & Mrs. Brewer to dinner, then on to Rehearsal. E. looked through Dr. Brewer�s new Pastorals & gave him much advice, suggested a great improvement. Dr. B. delighted to adopt it."
25 "Pouring morning. C. to school Dragon -"
26 "C. to School at 11 - A. & C. & Rose at 3 to Prize Giving. Pouring Evening, back in a stray Connolly cab -"
27 "E. & C. for a ride - Ross &c. E. & A. to dine (Dragon) at Dr. Sinclair's then on to station to meet Mrs. Worthington & May Dragon too. Arrived all well & returned very gaily -"
28 "E. & C. & May to Church in town. Mrs. Worthington to Cathedral. Mr. Hull & Dr. Sinclair to tea. Rose here -"
29 "Rather windy & gray Walked about. E. tried some fishing Writing his beautiful tunes -"
30 "Mrs. Worthington left by corridor. Connelly cab."
31 Elgar writes to Hans Richter: "The Morecambe Festival authorities are anxious to know if you would consider a proposition to conduct Gerontius there next May: they propose your own orchestra & the best soloists: they ask me to speak to you of the chorus, which will be well trained & will be a most admirable body of voices which you would delight to lead."

August

4
A race riot rages in Harlem.

15
Death of the Austrian violinist Joseph Joachim.

17
Britain invades Venezuela from British Guiana, demanding the surrender of 4,000 lbs. of balata gum.

22
The International Peace Conference at The Hague proposes the creation of an International High Court of Justice.

29
A bridge across the St. Lawrence River collapses in Quebec, drowning 80.

August
1 "E. & C. to river after lunch. A. with Mrs. Capper (Dragon) to Hinton Court - Archery Meeting &c - Nice afternoon with sunshine."
2 "Fine morning. E. wrote lovely river piece. [The second subject of the second movement of the first Symphony] You cd. hear the wind in the rushes by the water - E. to fish after lunch C. &.May to Fownhope Rectory A. & Mrs. Capper (Dragon) to Cricket Match - Began to rain on arrivel & poured soon steadily - Drove back - A nice party (Mrs. Clowes' tea) if fine -"
3 "Fine & warm - E. to fish stayed all day with no luncheon - A. & C. to meet him lovely bend of the river beyond the 'Carrots' - Back to receive Mr. Pointer who came to be advised by E. about his score of Cantata "Harold Harfager" - Stray cab -"
4 "Fine, windy. E. C. & A. to Church in town. After lunch E. rested Mrs. Capper & Miss Ford to tea then E. & Mr. Pointer for a walk - In Evening E. played his Children's Music - Mr. J. Pointer delighted."
5 Lady Plymouth writes to Alice: "Ld. Plymouth tells me that you & Sir Edward are coming to Cardiff for the Festival & it would be such a great pleasure to both of us if you would both come & stay here with us for it. I shall arrive here some time on the Wednesday but hope you will come any time that day that suits you if you will let me known later on. Everything would be ready here to receive you. It is a great pleasure to look forward to hearing The Kingdom one more."
6 "Mr. Pointer left by Corridor Dragon. Maud & Constance Berkeley to lunch, walked up - Interesting talk from E. at lunch. Chemistry &c. E. & C. for short ride. A. & Berkeleys walked by river. Mr. & Mrs. & Major Wegg Prosser & grandson to tea Much talk between guests E. took Mr. W. Prosser & Major to his study - Berkeleys to 6.20 in Dragon."
7 "Windy, chilly - E. & C. into town & bought fishing bag. E. very busy finishing his pieces - Heard from Minehead no rooms till Monday. Mr. Littleton & Frances & G. daughter to tea. E. played through his music to Mr. L who was absolutely delighted."
8 "Warmer but semi-gale again & showery looking E. at work all day - Sunbeam dance &c - of his lovely Children's play music, "Brown paper music� it is called as it has been carried upstairs at night in brown paper & never had a case like other ops -"
9 "Fine & warm,. very windy. E. worked all day, excursions in garden, turned out Peter's hutch &c - Orchestrating the beautiful Sunbeam dance & trio of March - A. to Cheltenham at 2.5 - Dragon. E. wd. not have her leave - (great joy) - back at 7.23. Walked up -"
10 Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "There is nothing doing save my little children�s jape which you would not come to see & so must go enbenisoned to their inky doom (poetry)."
11 "E. raser headache &c - not out. A. & C. to town Church at 11. E. finished his 1st Suite. Dr. Collens & Mr. & Mrs. Littleton to tea. Mr. L. carried off E.'s booful Suite �brown paper music' himself walking - Much delighted with it - A. tried to get all ready to start. Mrs. L. brought E. nice thermos bottle."
12 "Left home at 11.27 train. E. rode to station. Connolly cab. Pleasant journey, lovely views & stream at Llangollen - Arrived before 4 at Arthog. Our hearts sank on reaching house. C. & A. thought of Mr. Turner's farm which they went to see at Stanner - Old, poky, & fusty &c - Dined at one table - It seemed a wretched nightmare all A's fault. Had a walk but not much impressed. Decided to leave if not to return home."
13 "Left Arthog 10.5 train. Walked to station. Arrived at Barmouth & found rooms - After lunch E. A. & C. out. Sands lovely & gardens in pools. went far out. Only glimpses of mountains, all misty - & very high wind - nearly returned home after lunch but decided to stay another day & try -"
14 "C.�s 17th. Birthday. May it be a happy year for her. Out all the morning, rain came on, came in soaked. Lovely over the bridge if only fine, mountains hid in clouds & mist. Poured all the afternoon. E. & C. looking so well. D.G. -"
15 "Went to Towyn - Lovely afternoon - lovely line. Sought for lodgings found nothing - C. nearly cried at thought of staying there - Fine sea & lovely views. A. began to prepare for move next day."
16 "Decided to go to Harlech, E. thought it rather useless & if no rooms, to return home. Walked up to Castle Hotel & found some for the night & promised better ones next day. Returned to Barmouth & fetched luggage - Not very nice room but lovely place. E. found men he knew."
17 "Walked to Llanbedr & on to river for E. to fiss - A. & C. walked back to Inn to fetch lunch - Lovely country - Scrambled over stepping stones & up muddy bank &c - Back to Harlech in carriage. Train so very late."
18 "After lunch went down to the Sea, gale of wind cd. not stay in the sand dunes - Took the Thermos with us & the old Bathing man let us have tea in a little wooden hut."
19 "Bishop of Southwell's son took C. round the Links. After lunch E. & C. walked to Llanfair with bicycle to mend. A. sat out &c -"
20 "Went by train to Llanbedr & drove up to Cynbuolihan Lake - & walked by the Lake - wonderful echoes. E. made terrible Echoes. Walked on up the Roman steps - Took the Thermos. Drove back to Llanbedr back by train - Most lovely scenery -"
21 "E. & C. to Cwybwlan Lake again to fiss - A. walked about & saw house to let. After lunch went with the Southwell Bishop's son to the Sand dunes & went through The Kingdom! E. & C. back all safes to dinner."
22 "E. & A. & C. left Harlech about 11.30 - Slow train - E. & C. had riotous games & E. fell full length along the bottom of the train! - A. laughed so much she cd. not even urge him to rise before some one came down the corridor -"
23 A quiet day at home.
24 The Worcester Herald reports: "The new march by Sir Edward Elgar, �Pomp and Circumstance, No. 4�, was performed for the first time at the promenade concert at Queen�s Hall, on Saturday evening. Sir Edward Elgar�s March in D has become so popular that considerable interest was manifested in the new composition. It is, in parts, singularly suggestive of the melody in the first march. Beyond this fact, however, there is nothing to detract from the impressive nature of the march, which was enthusiastically received by a crowded audience. Sir Edward Elgar had dedicated the march to Dr. G. R. Sinclair, the organist of Hereford Cathedral, and conductor of the Hereford Festival."
25 "Lovely day. E. & C. to Belmont A. to town 11. Very merry time. Madge in constant overpowering laughter at E.'s remarks -"
26 "Mrs. J. Scott left. She drove E. to the Carrotts he fissed all day - May returned stray cab. Lovely day. E. read Euphranor [Edward Fitzgerald] & missed fish in consequence."
27 "E. & A. to The Hut - corridor Connolly cab. Arrived at Hut about 5.30 - Warm welcome when Frank found us but he had missed our telegram."
28 "Most lovely weather out in lovely garden all day. E. fissed & fissed. A. in punt with Frank & wows."
29 "At the Hut. E. fissed & fissed. A. in garden most lovely & punted. No - E. went up to town & tried his new coes & brought back bait!"
30 "Lovely day - more fissing & punting. Captn. Darell came? E. played his Suite to Frank in the Orchard room - He was delighted."
31 "Not so sunny - Pippa came in aftn."

September

4
Death of the composer Edvard Grieg.

6
The liner Lusitania leaves London on her maiden voyage.

7
Oscar Hammerstein announces plans for five opera houses in New York.

25
New Zealand gains nominal autonomy as a dominion within British Empire.

September
1 "Rather gray, chilly day. Very nice day. Woods - Mr. & Mrs. Coates came - Also the Laird & Mrs. McLeod - Walked & talked - E. & J. C. played bowls. Delightful talk to Hy. Wood. Then E. played his darling Suite to Mr. Wood -"
2 Alice writes to Carice: "Darling, A few lines to say we hopes zu is vesy well, no letter today at all, spec some presently. Mr. & Mrs. H. Wood were here yesterday they were so nice, he & I had a great long talk."
3 "At the Hut. Quite chilly weather -"
4 "E. & A. left the Hut with Capt. Darell & Pippa. At Langham - A. went to Stores & shops - E. & A. dined with Pippa & Mr. Whittemore Q. Anne's Mans. Then to Q.�s Hall to hear E.'s great March. Oh so thrilled & then joined E. to a play. Hated it & left -"
5 "E. & A. in London. Delightful rehearsal of 'The Kingdom' & 'The Apostles' S. Andrew's Hall - Pippa, Mr. Whittemore, Mr & Mrs Jaeger &c &c - back to Langham. A. to L. Libry with Mr. Whittemore returned packed & fled home 4.45 train - Found all well D.G."
6 "Weather finer. E. returned corridor Cab C. or Dr. A. busy preparing for guests."
7 "Nice day. Pippa & Mr. Whittemore arrived corridor. pd. own cab -" ... and Elgar gave Alice a copy of the newly-printed part song, Love: "C.A.E. from E.E. Sep 7 1907"
8 "Lovely day. E. & A. Pippa & Mr. Whittemore & Troyte C. & May to Belmont. Connolly Car - & riding. Then on to Madley & Fownhope. Lovely day. Dear Companions. Pippa & Mr. Whittemore to see the Cathedral in Eveng. Mr. W. so serenely happy."
9 "E. & A. Pippa & Mr. Whittemore to Gloucester at 9. � train. 2 cabs - Connolly. E. on to rehearsal. A. struggled to get cab, luggage &c. oh! so benighted. Brewers most nice & welcoming. After putting things straight, A. to beautiful Rehearsal in Cathedral. Dr. & Miss Lloyd at 7 Palace Yard. Mr. Croft & Mr. & Mrs. Reed there by day - & later Mrs. &. Miss Pickup. At five to E.'s Rehearsal again beautiful - To some of the Concert Rehearsal in Evening."
10 "C. & May came in Dragon cabs. Lovely day. E. & A. to Cathedral E.'s arrangement of 'God Save the King� Gorgeous, stirring. Do not think new artistes can sing the old music - To lunch at Mr. Russell Rea�s - He took A. in E. took Mayoress. A. sat next Mayor. Very pleasant time. Photographed &c - After tea E. & A. went to the Gervase Elwes - most pleasant visit. Frank arrived in time for Evening. Gorgeous performance of 'The Apostles' - E. Conducted splendidly. Huge audience. Most impressive. E. changed & pleasant little time after."
11 The Kingdom was performed at the Three Choirs Festival. Herbert Brewer remembers: "Although many novelties were not produced we were fortunate in being able to include in the programme �The Kingdom,� which had been heard for the first time at the Birmingham Festival the previous year. It was performed on the Wednesday morning and proved a great attraction. �The Apostles� had been given the evening before. I trust that some day it may fall to the lot of Gloucester to produce the complete trilogy from the master mind."
12 Dorabella's diary: "Luncheon again at Beaufort House & saw Hasfield party. Amy & I went to tea at the Brewers. The Elgars were there and hosts of people."
13 "A. at the Brewers. E. started soon after 3 to ride home - A. called on the Lee Williams, finished packing. Hunted for E.'s stick &c - Started 6.10? train, found E. arrived safe - though tired very hilly road. Lovely week to remember - Connolly cab -"
14 "Lovely day - out in Garden & walk to river &c - Great patience in Evening - E. finishing his darling Suite."
15 "Lovely day. Pippa & A. to town to Cathedral S. Francis - E. C. & May rode to Belmont -"
16 Henry Wood writes to Elgar: "My dear friend, I have put down your dear little Suite for November 2nd is this quite agreeable to you, will the parts & Score be ready & can we have �first performance�. Your 4th March is a real success & the public are writing me �requesting� further performance & we are all so happy about it."
17 "Pippa left. corridor. Connolly cab - pd. herself. Lovely morning. Mr. & Mrs. Surette left in their car soon after. Then Lady Wantage & Lady Jane Lindsay came to lunch - Very pleasant time. Lady Jane exclaimed with delight at bare table &c In study after lunch. & E. telephoned to ask Dr. Sinclair to play to them -"
18 Elgar writes to Walford Davies: "I am not allowed to read or write much & am not lecturing in consequence: will you give one or two lectures at the University? I wish you wd. - choose your own subject - time one hour (either on Wed or Fridays (day not yet fixed), but it must be on one of those days to fit in the course) beginning at 5.30 - fee, you must say - please do. As to work as I said I am not allowed to do much so I have been unearthing boyish things & trimming them."
19 E. to Shaw play [You Can Never Tell] with Pippa. A. better - Garden delightful. E. to Langham at 12.50 - Connolly cab. Left A. porsley little heap - chill or something."
20 "E. at Langham - Had good rehearsal - Lovely day - tints on balcony & garden delightful - Dora Penny came about 4.30 - Stray hansom -"
21 "Lovely day - Misty A.M. A. better. Dora Penny left at 4.20. Connelly hansom - pd. herself - E. home safes at 5- train with Cousins - Connelly cab Enjoyed the plays in London. Found proofs of the darling suite here -"
22 "E. corrected his dear proofs. Lovely day again. Rather chilly A.M. E. & C. to Belmont. May to town. A. not out. Mr. & Mrs. Littleton & Rose & Dr. Sinclair & Miss Holland to tea - Mr. Littleton stayed the Evening. E. played booful things to him - Vio. Concert. &c. & the gorgeous new tune."
23 "E. & Cousins to Cardiff, 1.46. Connelly cab - Lovely day. E. sent away proofs of 1st Suite. Gertrude Griffith to lunch. C.�s foot still inflamed - Dr. Collens came to see it in Evening."
24 Elgar is at the final rehearsal in Cardiff of Parry�s A Vision of Life. He talks through the work with him, and later marks his score with correction of misprints and some suggestions for improvements. As for Parry's opinion of his new work, he "Thought it rather tedious."
25 "A. vesy badley at night. Sent for Dr. Collens, he ordered bed, & milk, & no Cardiff. C. still not at school - E. walked over to S. Fagans he said it was most lovely there -"
26 "Dr. Collens came early to see if A. cd. go - but decided not - & must stay in room all day. Trust 'The Kingdom' is being beautifully given this afternoon. E. had a very good performance & motored back immediately to S. Fagan's (was sent in expressly too) & changed & rested & came down in his pretty light suit to meet the others & walked about in gardens &c - To long Concert in Eving."
27 Elgar writes to Rosa Burley: "Very many thanks for the 'roes' which are famous : I am just passing through Hereford on my way to London. It seemed strange being on Welsh land (!) again & I remembered the last time I saw Cardigan from further south."
28 "E. raser porsley - Dr. Collens came - A. down - hardly any pulse. C.�s foot better but still to be kept up - Lovely weather still."
29 "E. & A. not out. A. better. C. & May to Belmont."
30 A quiet day.

October

1
The German Army buys Count Zeppelin's dirigible.

2
The Lord Mayor of London unlocks the door of the first house in the new Hampstead Garden Suburb.

19
Queen Victoria's letters are published.

October
1 Elgar writes to Ernest Newman: "I have my lecture scheme approved: will you take Friday Nov. 1st? I hope you can as I very much wish to be present & we are to leave England in the first week of Novr. Please let me have the exact title; pro forma I said you wd. discourse upon 'New forms in music', which I hope described & did not travesty your meaning."
2 "E. to London at 12.50. Connolly cab. A. with him to station & then to see Mr. Wood about agreement &c."
3 The Worcester Herald reports: "Yesterday concluded the rehearsals in London for the orchestra and principals who will take part in the famous Leeds Musical festival which opens in the Town Hall of that city next Wednesday. Sir Charles Stanford and Sir Edward Elgar spent a very busy day conducting, but at the conclusion of the proceedings both appeared eminently gratified with the work of the artists. By many authorities these opinion is expressed that the orchestra, comprising the best of such brilliant musical combinations as the Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Opera Band, and the King�s private band, will be the finest collection of musicians ever heard at any festival in this country. Sir Edward Elgar was almost two hours conducting �The Kingdom�, the vocal solos of which were rendered by Mme. Kirkby Lunn, Miss Agnes Nicholls, Mr. Ben Davies, and Mr. Ffrangcon Davies. To-morrow the performers leave London for Leeds for the full and final rehearsals."
4 Elgar writes to Canon Gorton: "There is no real reason for this letter, only to ask how you are finding things at Morecambe: I trust well. I have been going through the Kingdom with the orchestra for Leeds & thought of you. I go home today we sail for Naples in the first week in November: then Rome till May I hope."
5 "E. signed agreement & returned it to Mr. Wood to let the house for 4 months to Capt. & Mrs. Inglefield. Troyte rode over -"
6 Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "I am truly sorry you will not he at Leeds - I shall miss you - this is complimentary, verb. sap. Parry's work [A Vision of Life], is really fine & the poem A. I. Will it not do for Worcester? I don't know if the jarring creeds episode wd be grateful to a Dean & Chapter. Oh! ye priests!"
7 "E. to Leeds at 7.45 - Rehearsal stated to be at 2. Arr. in good time & had to wait."
8 Elgar writes to Jaeger: "I have thought about you so very much during these festival times. I say! that 'Vision' of Parry's is fine stuff & the poem is literature: you must hear it some day."
9 "E. at Leeds. Went over to Giggleswick to see Dr. Buck - A. very busy, & a horrible odour set in, sent for workmen who were busy till 9 P.M. - found the cause was a rat caught in a trap, poor thing."
10 Elgar writes to Carice: "My dear Cheeeiild: The paint arrived safely: I have a fire for her & tea which she is eating having lunched � paintwise � on the follow assemblage of various foods, which are now I believe having a conversagione on their own account,
1 a biscuit
2 a bun (�)
3 a banana
4 a snip of ham
5 a glass of mile (�)
6 a piece of brown bread (so refreshing!)
7 a lump of sugar
That�s all. Bear up.
11 "E. & A. breakfasted with nice Prof. Terry. E. to Hall & A. with Prof. Terry. Nice seats in Gt. Gallery. Most splendid performance of 'The Kingdom' missed A. Nicholls much of course. Orch. perfect. E. conducted splendidly. Huge audience deeply impressed - saw Lady Mary, Lady M. Meynell - E. changed & we lunched with Prof. Terry & he & I went back to Hall - Dined with Maxwells &c - E. rested Prof. T. & A. to Evening concert. Lady Mary & Col. F. Trefusis came to see us."
12 "A. packing &c. Nice breakfast with Prof. Terry - He & Maxwells saw us off at station at 2 or 3 P.M. Rambling journey to Walton Changed at Burton. Warmest welcome at Wychnor - Lady Evelyn Baring there - Dear & delightful visit -"
13 "At Wychnor - Lovely day. dear nice time - After lunch Lady M. & Lady Evelyn drove E. & A. to Hoar Cross. Mr. Levett drove a little way with us - Lady M. Meynell laid up with cold - Mr. took us over nice gardens - Back to tea. Mr. Dugdale & Capt. Stewart came - Gt. excitement starting their car - off at last -"
14 "Stayed to lunch at Wychnor - Left at 3.15. Lady Margaret & Lady Evelyn drove with us to Alrewas - On the platform had telegram telling us to go another way. Changed 3 times, tiny journeys. Carriage met us at Whitmore Station. Cordial greeting but A. had to explain E. must have food before & after rehearsal & cd. not go in open car! E. & A. in brougham 6 miles drive. Good rehearsal."
15 Elgar conducts The Kingdom at Hanley. "E. & Mr. Twyford to Hanley soon after 10 - in car. E. had rehearsal & lunch at Hanley, then another rehearsal & then back in car - Came in just at tea time. Mr. Fitzherbert came, & son was there too. Then Early dinner & all to Hanley Mr. & Mrs. Tyyfords & Mr. Fitzherbert & we in splendid Car. Chorus beautiful. Coates fine. Much enthusiasm. E. not too tired. Changed & down to supper - Mr. T. sd. E. stood there turning over a book of wallpapers! "he had never seen such a book"."
16 "At Whitmore Hall. Left at 12.15. Drove to Trentham - Mr. Twyford had train stopped there. Arr. Birm. pouring rain, had to wait for luggage to come up - &c &c - went to Grand Hotel. Pouring torrents but splendid audience at first of new series of Concerts - Richter conducted. Fervent appeal to E. to finish the Sinfonie - dear noble old man."
17 "E. & A. left Birmingham at 10.15 - A. stayed in Malvern for shopping. E. came on home - Connolly cab, E. & C. met A. at station. Walked home togesser - Found all well. D.G."
18 Berrows Worcester Journal reports: "On Friday evening the first of the series of lectures in the Department of Music of the University of Birmingham, arranged by Sir Edward Elgar, was given by Mr. Thomas Whitney Surette, lecturer on music for the American University Extension Society. The other lecturers for the series at Dr. Walford Davies and Mr. Ernest Newman. Sir Edward Elgar explained that the only reason he had for not delivering the Peyton lectures this year was that, unfortunately, his eye were of no use to him. He trusted the ailment was only a passing one. Mr. Surette�s subject was �The Music Dramas of Wagner�, on which he had arranged to deliver two lectures."
19 "Very wet - thunderstorm in aftn. C. & May to dentist, A. very busy, got through a great deal - E.'s "Coes" &c. E. went to Rokeby Garden. Did not care for it."
20 "Very stormy & wet E. & A. not out -"
21 "E. & C. to theatre Hereford." They see Ian Maclane in Hamlet.
22 Elgar receives a letter from Claude Phillips: "Many and sincere thanks for your kind note. It was horrid to have to leave without seeing you again. I envied that bevy of fair but soulless dames who had got you to themselves that evening."
23 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "I do not think the P.F piece [Concert Allegro] in its present form entirely satisfactory - I have the M.S. now & may re-cast it. Its too long!"
24 "May, Home - Connolly with Peter & his luggage, Cab such a sight! Theatre E. & C. Hereford"
25 Elgar writes to Troyte Griffith: "The time has come when a gravestone has to be put up to my father & mother. I cannot afford much as the living seem to have more pressing needs, & the 'quick' feel hunger & cold - which I trust the dear departed old people do not. Now can you suggest something? I have never had to think of this sort of thing before & I do not feel drawn towards the stonemason monumental-artist sort of thing. As we bear an old Saxon name wd. it be too fanciful. if practicable, to take some Saxon thing for a model or rather type? I should think about five feet high - nothing pretentious but sincerely wholesome is what I want."
26 Elgar sketches an adagio for string quartet, which ends up in the Symphony. "E. wrote IVt. A. & C. to Malvern at 11.30. Connolly E. came later & May arrived. Lovely Concert. Brodsky 4t. Tea with Mrs. Hollins afterwards Walked from station"
27 "A. to Church 11 - very cold in Church. Dr. Sinclair for walk with E. Mrs Giles to tea. E. writing his IVt. all day, beautiful."
28 "E. left by corridor Connolly for 50 Lancaster Gate to Co. of Musicians Dinner in Evening. Most dreadfully dull - Owen came Plas Gwyn & A. had furniture moved dreadfully busy."
29 "Very wet. C. cab to school? A. dreadfully busy, Mr. Wood took Inventory"
30 "Very wet. C. Dragon to School - May took plate chest Connolly Cab & sent luggage to Hatteral - A. dreffully busy. Mr. Wood took Inventory"
31 A very busy. Fine day Plas Gwyn looked very nice. Rose to tea & C. & May Dr. Sinclair & Mr. Blackett came -"

November

4
J. P. Morgan locks New York bankers in his library to solicit $25 million to prop up the stock market and failing banks.

8
A new discovery allows the reproduction of photographs by cable.

12
A State Banquet is held by King Edward and Queen Alexandra at Windsor for Kaiser Wilhelm.

16
The Mauretania sails on her maiden voyage.

29
The 87-year-old Florence Nightingale is appointed to the Order of Merit.

November
1 "E. to Langham. Busy with meetings &c. The 3 Maids left - A. had an endlessly busy morning & left by corridor Connolly - May with her to station & Rose & Mrs. Giles to see her off. In Evening E. & A. &c to "When Knights were bold� very amusing."
2 Parry writes to Elgar: "I am very sorry to hear your eyes are not behaving as they ought to do, and that you have to go away for the winter. However being in Rome will be very delightful and inspiring, and I hope you will be happy there."
3 "At Langham E. to Athenaeum A. in bed & room all day -"
4 Elgar writes to troyte Griffith: "I say we went (on your acct) to the Savoy on Saturday night to see 'The Devil's Disciple' - its a poor play, with moments of power: badly acted all round - if they had frankly gone in for melodrama it wd. have been fine - but they were attemptedly (that's a good word!) serious & the thing lacks conviction: Shaw is very amateurish in many ways. The scenery is good. Why did you date the pastor's house 1777 the year of the play? Is he just married or has he built a new house for his dreary bride, Miss Matthison: she was good in Everyman but only fair (she's dark, brunette, really) in this play. Now come to Rome - we are to start D.V. tomorrow at 11 & go straight through; no ships available for Napolionic passengers, like us. I wish we could have talked before the final wrench:"
5 "Left Langham about 10.15. Met C. & May at Victoria. Mr. Littleton saw us off - A. feeling very badsly - Lovely day & sea lovely. A. got much better - Found our places at Calais & drove to Hotel des 2 Mondes at Paris & dined there. Then to the Gare de Lyons & found out Sleeping Conpr�s - & started E. began to be badsley & May too."
6 "In train E. & May very badsley - A. & C. lunched in train, E. had a little omelette made for him - May did not appear - Lovely in the mountains glorious day, warm sun - Got out at Modane & enjoyed it - E. & May well enough to come out at Genoa, but E took nothing -"
7 The Elgars sign a rental agreement for a flat in Via Gregoriana: "By the present Contract to be valid as a public act Mrs Dawes Rose rents to Sir Edward Elgar a furnished flat on the 2nd floor of Via Gregoriana 38, consisting of seven rooms, Bath room, Kitchen & two passages. The rent agreed on is four thousand six hundred lire for six months beginning 7th November 1907 and ending 7th May 1908."
8 Carice's notebook: "Father & I went out in the morning, without the map & nearly lost ourselves! Father entered his name at the Berlitz School of Languages, for French lessons. Mother & I went out shopping in the afternoon. All the unpacking practically finished, & the flat beginning to look very nice. Very fine day."
9 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "We are here all safely & find our flat very simple but comfortable & a glorious view: it is really one of the best situations in Rome & the walks on the Pincian are at our door almost which is most convenient for Alice."
10 Carice's notebook: "A most lovely day after all the rain & thunder, such lovely sun & so hot. Went to church at the Church of the Capuchins, where there is a famous picture of Guido Reni S. Michael: we did not see it. Too late for a Low Mass, so had Missa Cantata, not good music, & everyone moves about the whole time! Afterwards Mother & I went on the Pincian Hill, the sun & view were beautiful. On that Hill, the large new building no longer comes in front of S. Peter�s as it does here."
11 "E. & A. to choose Piano. Met Mr. Carpenter. Then to a Luthier, we went up dark stairs & heard loud voices & found him much in undress - Apologized & took us into his Salon (with a great hole in the ceiling) & showed a Louis XV table & his arms embroidered in a frame & sd. his family was old & noble - Played on his Strads violin for E. to hear - E. to his french lesson at 4. The piano arrived -"
12 "Very warm - Sirocco still. E. trying to find music paper - A. & C. out shopping found nice shop for honey &c After lunch A. & May to shops & Mrs. Bethell's - E. to his french lesson - Writing his most beautiful IVt. Piano tuned & looked over -"
13 "E. & A. & C. & May to the Market - Campo di Fiori. Bought a pitcher - Lovely lace &c - Lovely morning like summer. Back by good shop - E. chose some wine - E. raser porsley - to his French lesson. C. & May to Benediction. Nice letters from Pippa & Lord Northampton -"
14 "E. writing. A. C. & May shopping. Bought Cardboard for E. After lunch E. C. & May to Forum & Coloseum delighted - A. to leave cards at the Embassy. E. to his french lesson. lovely day & gorgeous sunset."
15 Carice's notebook: "Beautiful day Father & I walked Mother & May drove to the Sistine Chapel, we spent some time in it & studied the ceiling & the Last Judgment, & the Frescoes around, & then went to some of the other galleries where there are pictures etc. Lovely views from windows of mountains etc, & one looks down into different courtyards of the Vatican Palace. Came home with Father by side streets, into the Piazza Navona, past the Pantheon through Piazza Colonna & so home. Went out with May shopping in the afternoon. Mother very tired, the Sgambatis came for a little time."
16 Carice notebook: "Father & I went for a long walk by the side of the Tiber; men were blowing bugles & collecting for Calabria. Did not see anything in particular. Mother & Father received an invitation to dine at the Embassy, which they accepted. May & I shopped in the afternoon. Mr. Carpenter came to see Father in the Evening. Mother not well, went to bed early."
17 Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "Hope you are all well. We are quite settled here now. Don�t forget Sgambati�s Requiem."
18 Carice's notebook: "Mother not well, in bed. Better later. May & I went out late shopping, about her photographs. In the afternoon we went to San Pietro for Vespers, as it was the anniversary of the dedication, & the relics were exposed; we saw the latter, but the Vespers did not begin till 4, whereas they were supposed to begin at 2-45. However we had a nice long time to see the church."
19 "E. & C. out in morning. A. & C. to call on Mrs. Carpenter & Made Sgambati - in aftn. E. to french E. C. & May to Colisseum in Evening. Beautiful clear moon -"
20 "A. gave Lina notice. Went to Mrs. Mallam & engaged a Piemontese. 50 Lira & 8 for Vino. Then walked with E. & C. to Piazza del Popolo & thro� the Gate. After lunch to the Church of S. Ignazio - & a little shopping. E. to his French."
21 "C.�s first Italian lesson - After lunch we all went to S. Cecilia in Trastevere - Waited nearly an hour, the Church had become crowded, & then the music was so bad we flew - E. to his French. Mr. & Mrs. Carpenter came to tea - pleasant."
22 "E. & A. & C. & May to S. Giovanni Laterano - Lovely morning. Lovely in the Cloisters - Monuments &c very trying. After lunch C. & A. to leave letter & cards on Princess Teano & some shopping. After tea went out again & bought little pailts & Jug. E. to his French."
23 "Determined to send Lina away. Happily all went off peacefully. Sent Rosa for the new cook after lunch. E. went to a Ristorante. Had the room cleaned by a postman & she arrived, nice clean imposing looking Piemontese, Albina Ded�. C. & M. to Vatican Sculpture in a.m. A. & C. to leave cards at Consul's & some shopping. E. to his french lesson. Mr. Carpenter came -"
24 "E. & A. & C. & May to Mass Trinita dei Monti. Long Cantata. But very peaceful & quiet. E.'s music paper came at last, but not so nice as what he had before - E. stayed & worked. A. C. & May to the Campidoglio Saw beautiful things. Walked back. E. & C. to Palatine much thrilled. A. & M. to Benediction Trinita dei Monti. E. wrote much of the Scherzo."
25 Carice's notebook: "Had another Italian lesson, very nice, but did not feel we had got on very much further. Went out shopping with Mother in the afternoon. Mr. Friskin came to tea, Got the Berlitz grammar, & worked at it."
26 "No heat anywhere, supposed to be being repaired. Took C. to Made Pisano for Singing lesson. Charming person - & teacher -"
27 "Still no heating. Lovely day quite warm. E. raser porsley - a little cold. A. C. & May to Acad�mie Fran�aise walked in gardens. Fine umbrella pines & Ilex groves - Made Sgambati to tea."
28 Carice's notebook: "Had another Italian lesson, did not get on any better, for she had no idea what to o with us, or how to see the Berlitz grammar. Mother decided not to let her come again."
29 "E. raser a cold. A. trying remedies - E. to French lesson in Evening. C. swelling &c on chin but went to singing lesson."
30 "A. to tea with Carpenters. He returned with A. for last study with E. So sorry they left. Sent for Dr. Fenwick to see C. He said he had given up practice but recommended Dr. Smallpeice, sent for him. Came & prescribed for C Dreadfully swelled chin &c. E. cold & porsley - Dr. Smallpeice came late in P.M. & lanced C.�s chin - At night rather anxious & telephoned to him & he came again & re-assured us -"

December

10
The Nobel prize for literature goes to Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book.

13
The Mauretania runs aground at Liverpool.

22
A wolf injures two actresses during a performance at the Rome Opera House.

30
Henry Farman's flying machine flies one kilometre.

December
1 "Dr. Smallpeice came to E. & C. E. better. A.M. to San Silvestro at 11.30 - E. for short walk in P.M. heard bad military band on Pincian. A. & May to the Palatino, most beautiful hot aftn. Most impressive place. Dr. Smallpeice came again to see C."
2 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "I have had a slight chill & have been laying low. Edwards sent me some simple words for the M.T. - I am sending him a setting direct - but he will of course consult you about it. The setting is very simple - the words wd. not stand elaboration - but it may be too simple for your requirements."
3 Elgar writes again to Littleton: "I promised Beale I would let him know as to an oratorio - the final one of the series - for the next Birmingham festival. I have to-day written definitely & finally to give up the idea."
4 Alice writes to her cousin: "Just no recd. yr dear letter which is a real delight to have & to hear good news of you all & fervently hope all keep well. I send a line at once to say I have received no letter at all from Willie & was so anxious to hear of course. V. dear letter assumes I know! Please a line about it. Sorry to say E. has been laid up with cold & C. with a wretched abscess like what she had on foot latterly at home, nearly well."
5 "Dr. Smallpeice came after lunch. E. & C. much better. E. out in morning. A. & May to tea at Mr. Hubbard�s - very pleasant. A. to Mrs. Mallam to describe sufferings from Piano. A. wrote little verses for E. [A Christmas Greeting]
6 Carice's notebook: "Allowed out again at last! Father & I walked up to Dr Smallpeice. Luthe afternoon. Mother & I took a carriage for an hour & drove about to leave some letters of introduction. Mother & May went to tea with Mrs. Parrish."
7 Carice's notebook: "Mother & Father went out. May & I went to Sta Maria Maggiore, & saw a procession of some kind there, there were many church dignitaries, & they sang, unaccompanied, it sounded very nice. In the afternoon, we all four started out together, & intended to go to Santa Agnese Fuori la Mura, we waited for some time, but all the trams were full, then Mother & May went back, Father & I walked to Porta Pia, & took a tram to Sta Agnese, we had lovely views of the country & hills. The church is very interesting, a beautiful old mosaic over the tribune. We saw people coming back from the Catacombs, but did not go. We saw the �unhappy frescoe� of Pius IX, commemorating his miraculous escape from death, when the floor fell down & carried him & his cardinals through into the cellar. Mother called on Mrs. Smallpiece."
8 "E. finishing his Christmas Music. A. C. & May to Museum, shut - then to S. Maria degli Angeli to Mass - A. not out again. E. C. & May to Church of San Gregorio Much interested & touched -"
9 Carice's notebook: "Mother & I walked up to Dr. Smallpiece in the morning, & down to the post office to post the Christmas carol Father has just written, to Mother�s words, for Dr. Sinclair, for his choir boys to sing at their Carol concert. After lunch May & I went out on the Pincian & bought some postcards on the way home. Father went to his lesson again."
10 "E. A. C. & May to Vatican pictures. Saw the beautiful Angels in the Sacristy of S. Peter's - & spent long time in S. Peters. E. later to S. Paolo F. le Mura & to French lesson - A. & C. to call on Princess Rospigliosi very nice & pleasant visit."
11 "E. & C. to Dr. Smallpeice. E. still rather cold & cough - E. to French at 3 & C. & May with him for Italian lesson - Returned much pleased - Mr. Carpenter to tea -"
12 "E. & A. for walk by their souses. Mrs. Carpenter at 12 - to see the ball descend & the Gun - C. & May to Italian lesson - Mrs. Smallpeice called & took C. & M. to see some lady's pictures. E. to French. A. C. & M. to the Church of S. Maria Vittoria"
13 "C. & May to Berlitz. 1st time. After lunch A. C. & May to S. Agnese & also to the Church of S. Costanza with the beautiful frescoes -"
14 The first performance of the first Wand of Youth suite. Adrian Boult records in his diary: "Elgar'� baby suite was produced. It is quite uninteresting, I think it got a bad place in the programme and Wood is always rather tinkly with baby things."
15 Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "Thanks for your letter and for all the news. We have complained of the piano practising & have some mitigation - I have bought some heavenly M.S. paper & have scored some of the symphony! But I see little signs of its being finished"
16 "C. & May to Berlitz. A. & C. to Broadwoods to tea. Met Lady Butt, dear Rodie�s sister. E. to French -"
17 Edward Speyer writes to Elgar: "We had the house full of people for the weekend will last night, so I had no time to write to you before. But I hope you received my wire despatched immediately after the concert on Saturday. Well, I can assure you, that we, and, as it appeared, the whole of the large audience, were simply delighted with your �Suite�. It is the happiest inspiration I can imagine, full of humour, pathos, tenderness, poetry, and with all that so healthy and natural. Most astoundingly original also. And the orchestration! A positive marvel of bewitching sounds, of balm for the ear, and joy for the heart, and done in a manner which no one else has ever done before. I repeat our most hearty congratulations on this happy and charming achievement. The only thing wanting was the original double bass, constructed of cardboard and parcels string! It should have figured on the platform as memento."
18 "A. & C. & May to Rospigliosi Gallery & saw the beautiful Aurora & some other pictures. After lunch A. & C. to the Palazzo Caetani - Nice talk with the Princess Teano."
19 "In aftn. E. & some to Sale room - E. bought the sweet figures Months of the Year - much playing with them in Evening, & E. washed them. He also bought pretty plates - E. to French."
20 "Some of us went to Sale room after lunch with E - A. C. & May to Mrs. Smallpeice's party - Met Mons. Stanley, Lady de Ros, Mrs. Oxenham &c. Mr. Hubbard - E. busy new Choral for men - B. Harte�s fine words."
21 "E. hard at work. A. C. & May to Vatican. Delightful time in Sculpture Galleries. E. walked in Borghese. A. & May murked in aftn. E. bought some things at Sale - C. to singing lesson & gives them up for present." Carice's comment in her notebook on this turn of events is: "YOU LITTLE PIG".
22 "E. A. C. & May to Nat. Museum, then to S. Maria degli Angeli - then to Modern Art Gallery - A. not out more. E. C. & May long walk out to Ponte Molle. Baroness de Ros called."
23 "E. & A. murked. After lunch E. to Berlitz. & left card for Monsignor Stanley. A. C. & May through the Borghese Jard. long walk - very lovely. Lady Butt called. E. wrote much -"
24 "E. & A. little murking in A.M. C. & May to Berlitz - C. & May to Santa Maria Maggiore after lunch - A. buying flowers &c settling Christmas things. The Count di S. Martino called & asked E. to conduct a concert here. E. worked vesy hard at his Drum chorus."
25 Carice's notebook: "Fine morning but it rained in the afternoon. May & I went to church early; when we came back we all looked at our letters & presents etc, poor May had a telegram saying her Father was much better; she had no letter to explain that he had been ill or anything & was very anxious all day. Mother & she & I went to S. Peter�s to try to hear High Mass there, but the crowd was so great, we really could not stay, we caught sight of a glimpse of the Cardinal�s red vestments & some other dignitaries, we did not hear much music, & soon came away. Father busy all day with his partsong. Mr. Hubbard came & had tea. Mother & Father went to dine at the Embassy & enjoyed it very much, & saw such nice people."
26 "E. finishing his pt. Song. Reveill� - Very stormy & wet. E. & C. & May long walk to S. Croce in Gerusalemma. E. holiday from French."
27 Carice's notebook: "May & I went to church early, & to our Berlitz lessons. In the afternoon Dr S & Andrea came for drilling. Mother went to post Father�s Marching song, which he has just finished, & called on Lady de Ros, whose flat she really found. Miss Broadwood & Miss von Arnheim came to tea, we had a very pleasant time, she really seems such a nice girl."
28 "Very wet. E. to Academy in morning, A. started with him, to see the Conte di San Martino re Concert &c. pleasant interview."
29 "C. & May to Kirchianer Museum. E. & A. to San Sylvestro - After lunch E. & C. for long walk. Janiculum - Tasso�s Oak &c &c &c - A. & May drove to the Aventine, saw the Churches of San Sabina, S. Alessio & the Garden & house & Church of the Knights of Malta - Lovely afternoon. All most interesting in care of a fatherly cabman - May rather cheered -"
30 Carice's notebook: "In the morning Father & I went for another longer murk, we went to the Pantheon, into S. Eustachio, S. Agnese, past Palazzo Braschi, saw Pasquino, went down to the Farnese palace, to S. Thomas of Canterbury, where the English college is; the man who showed us the way in, told us that S. Thomas of C. was buried there, the tomb turned out to be that of Sir Thomas Dereham, who died in 1729. Also there is a curious epitaph of a prodigy Maria Scoriabame. We went on to Palazzo Spada, & after grovelling & going into wrong rooms etc. we at length found Pompay�s statue, which is in a council room, & which is very fine. We came home by devious ways, after a real murk. In the afternoon May & I went to Dr. Smallpiece for drilling, & later the Smallpieces & Mr. Hubbard came to tea. The latter casually said he was going to see Mr. Benson, who turned out to be A. C. Benson, who had been here a fortnight at least & we did not know, he is leaving to-morrow. Father went to see him with Mr. Hubbard, & asked him to come here after dinner, he did so, with Mr. Lubbock, & we had such a nice Evening." Benson notes in his diary: "We found them in a big comfortable salon - a good deal of china about which E. had bought. E. in dress clothes - we were not - came eagerly out to fetch us in ... He looked well, with his pale face, high-bridged nose, quick movements. But he said his eyes were weak & he cd. only work an hour a day. With all his pleasantness & some savoir faire, one feels instinctively that he is socially always a little uneasy - he has got none of Parratt's courtesy or Parry's geniality ... Lady E. very kind but without charm, & wholly conventional, though pathetically anxious to be au courant with a situation. Elgar's daughter about 16, a quiet, obedient, silent, contented sort of girl, interested in Rome. Also a niece ... They are here for some months - it is a quiet street, & the rooms have a fine view."
31 Elgar completes to part-song Owls a dedicates it �To my friend Pietro d�Alba�

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