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1910
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January
1
In New York, Caruso sings in the first radio broadcast from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera.
3
British miners strike for an eight hour. day.
5
Halley's comet is observed from Costs observatory, Paisley.
17
In Australia, floods sweep across northern New South Wales.
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| January |
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1 |
"E. & A. at private View Burlington House. Very fine pixtures. Met Sydney Colvins there - In evening E. &
A. to "Importance of being Earnest". Laughed much."
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2 |
"A. to see Flats then to Booseys nice visit. A. Boosey liked words much - Then with E. to seek his suit
case. “Landed” at Drews - Chose nice one. Then E. to lunch with A. Boosey & met again at Drew's -"
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3 |
"To 'Blue Bird' in Evening. Beautiful idea & book but made much too material."
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4 |
"E. & A. to Gamage. A. bought Onoto Pen - Then home corridor 2 Connolly Cabs - E. had settled to have
3 Songs ready for Jaeger Memorial Concert. Songs from new Cycle. G. Parker's words."
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5 |
"E. very busy orchestrating Songs."
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6 |
"A. took C. to Tibberton Court - Connolly Car. Very nice visit there revival of old times & dear
old places."
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7 |
Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "I received a cable from Henry Sanford yesterday evening saying that our
dear friend died at four o’clock yesterday morning: it is very, very sad & comes as a shock altho’ we have expected it
for a long time. I am home for a few days & wildly busy & not well."
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8 |
The Hereford Times reports: "On Saturday evening, Mr. J. S. Arkwright, M.P., addressed a crowded and
enthusiastic gathering of his supporters at Clyde House School, Edgar-street, Hereford (which has been, by request,
placed at the disposal of both parties during the election). Mr. William Taylor occupied the chair, and others on the
platform included Sir Edward Elgar, Mr. J. S. Arkwright, M.P., Mr. H. C. Beddoe, Mr. A. Johnson, Mr. John Stokes
(Worcester) and Mr. C. Harvey. Mr. Arkwright, M.P., was received with cheers and the singing of “For he’s a jolly good
fellow” and cries of “Arkwright for ever”."
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9 |
Gilbert Parker writes to Elgar: "I am delighted to have your letter, & to know that you are getting
on well with the cycle – I look forward to hearing it –"
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10 |
"E. thinking of going to London but gave it up, Very busy with his musics - Not out all day. A. & C.
into town - Gale of wind -"
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11 |
"E. changed his mind & did not go to London - E. very busy with Concerto & Bassoon piece -
Expecting proof of 'Twilight'."
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12 |
"E. worked at his Concerto all the A.M. Saw advertisement of 'The Kingsway', in Telegraph for 1st time
- C. Butt to sing it on 15th at the Alexandra Palace - Very excited bofe of us to see it. A. well macked with the
newspaper -"
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13 |
E. at Langham - L. Ronald to lunch. Scheme of Banquet propounded E. Pleasant interview with C. Butt
over Song. E. at Novellos too - All pleasant - E. arranged to stay & conduct at the Memorial Concert."
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14 |
Gilbert Parker telegraphs Alice: "Permit my warmest congratulations on your beautiful verses the
Kings Way"
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15 |
"E. very busy in London, going through Symphony with Safonoff & seeing many people & correcting proofs
of his Songs &c - First day of Elections - Pray Heaven for Conservative success."
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16 |
Hans Richter writes to Elgar: "I am very happy that you come to the Jaeger-Concert, it would be
uncomplete without you. I hope and everybody expects that you will conduct the 'Variations'. You must not disappoint
the Public who are anxious to show you their respectful Sympathy towards the Composer of so many masterpieces. Please
do it, not only for the sake of the audience but - chiefly! - in memoriam of your dead friend who loved and adored you
with all his noble heart."
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17 |
"Thought E. might come down & vote but too cold &c. A. & C into town & Connelly cab back from Station.
Town very excited over Election - Rejoiced at Arkwright good majority."
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18 |
"E. in London - Very very busy proofs of parts to correct of Songs for 24th Jany. General rejoicing
over Election -"
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19 |
"Much excited over Elections."
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20 |
"Good accounts of E. Sd. A. was to go up on Saturday. E. tried 1st time Andante with Lady Speyer booful
Concerto for Violin & Orch."
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21 |
"Sunny & frosty. A. & C. for walk. Rejoiced over Sir J. Rankin's fine majority. Preparing to join E.
A. hopes."
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22 |
Elgar writes to Carice: "I expect the ‘brat’ this afternoon – it’s bitter cold & I hope she will not
mind it. If you want any money let me hear at Queen Anne’s Mans: I don’t know when I shall get home. Lady Speyer has a
supper party after the concert & (quite a secret) we propose to administer to the company an Andante the Andante –
it does sound well."
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23 |
Lord Knollys writes to Elgar: "I am commanded by the King to let you know that he & the Queen were
highly gratified by the Anthem which was sung yesterday at the Memorial Service. Their Majesties understand that it
was specially composed by you for the occasion – they admired it very much & thought it was also most appropriate for
such a Service, & they desire me to thank you for the trouble which you were good enough to take in the matter."
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24 |
"E. & A. to Queen's Hall for Jaeger Memorial Concert. E. & A. sat just behind Frank & Claude. Wonderful
Concert, very large audience. Richter conducted splendid performance of Vars. He turned to the Orch. spreading out his
arms as if to draw every sound & made the Nimrod gorgeous. Songs went well. the 1st not quite the reading. great ovation
& repetition of No.2 Saw Mrs. Jaeger & children, very touching. Then to supper at Speyers. E. played his Andante Vio
Concert with Lady Speyer - & all loved it much, it was repeated - Very nice time."
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25 |
Leonora Speyer writes to Elgar: "It was not a case of dementia Straddiana last night please let me
keep or when the violin concerto is finished let me just keep it, of course I admire it so, and am proud that you have
shown it first to me. No-one is to know about it"
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26 |
"E. took A. to see Athenaeum. Very fine & dignified. A. much impressed with it. Then to London Liby.
& waited for E. then to lunch at his new Club. British Empire Club. E. & A. to dine with Landon Ronalds - Pleasant
Evening. Distressing ugliness of house - but nice sympathetic man - & devoted to E."
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27 |
"E. working & to Meeting, Brit. Empire Pageant. A. to lunch with Margaret & then with her to Queen's
Hall Concert. L. Ronald. E. there too. Fine conducting Margaret drove me back. E. & A. to Beethoven. E. much touched
& wept. Tree very wonderful in the part."
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28 |
Alice writes to Carice: "A flying line, the Flat idea is on! So I have been getting orders to view
but it poured so had to put off viewing I shall try & get Richard to come with me – I am to meet Faser at 4 at Lady
Speyer’s she is going to play the Andante & Lady M. sing his 2d. songs with the new Violin Obligato. He & Mr.
Schuster are dining out. He was well yesterday & in good spirits Gott sei Dank –"
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29 |
Alice writes to Carice: "Please send Faser his clean collars, especially ‘Lord Dudley’ evening one,
they had better come by letter post, unless the washing comes in time to send them all & hanshies by parcel post.
I forgot tomorrow is Sunday zu cd. bring them & zu cd. post or bring the one new grey short wh. went to the wash."
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30 |
"Westminster Cathedral. E. & A. to lunch with Mrs. Joshua - Dr. Richter & P. Pitt there & a son &
daughter & a Miss Lancaster. Pleasant time. Dr. Richter & Percy Pitt & son left soon & E. played the Andante from Vio.
Concerto. Mrs. J. wept. & was most devoted & sympathetic. Interesting things shown us - pictures, Sarasate &c -
Then to Q. Anne for a few mins. then to Colvins delightful time there. Then to Shakespeare's with pleasant lovely
Brabazon pixtures."
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31 |
"A. to see Flats - all the morning & a little shopping. then more flats & called on Lady Sandhurst &
tea with Margaret. E. & A. dined with Frank & then with Mrs. Weguelin to Concert. Fine joyous performance of Symphony
by Safonoff, tremendous enthusiasm. E. much impressed. Lady C. Frank Claude & Willie & S. Powell & S. Wortleys all
there -"
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February
2
A report says that the United Kingdom could face a serious shortage of horses should war break out.
10
The Labour Party Conference at Newport demands the abolition of the House of Lords.
19
Jules Massenet's opera Don Quixote opens in Monte Carlo.
22
The first performance of Delius' opera A Village Romeo and Juliet is given in London under Thomas Beecham.
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| February |
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1 |
Sir Walter Parratt writes to Elgar: "... let me thank you for the beautiful anthem for the Mausoleum,
which sounded lovely in that place. The King spoke about it and asked me if it was really written for the occasion.
He seemed much gratified when I told him Yes."
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2 |
Elgar write to Frances Colvin: "I send you the Cavalcanti pt song which the Sheffield Choir will sing
at Queen's Hall, I hope you & Mr Colvin will hear it. With it I send a specimen of my dear friend Pietro d'Alba in his
most, or almost most pessimistic mood. To read it one wd. think the carrot crop had failed or some other catastrophe
acutely affecting the rabbit world was toward."
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3 |
"E. in London. Dining with Lady Charlie. A. very busy clearing up &c. A. & C. paid calls -"
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4 |
Elgar write to Carice: "Dear Chuck ...I’ve been writing music all the a.m. (poor old a.m. poor old
music) & have just walked across to the club. I find no letters, * so I lick a stamp to you only (poetic phrase)"
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5 |
"E. in London - not doing very much he said -"
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6 |
"E. in London. A. pweaked thro’ telephone with him. Did want to hear his voice - Seemed well. Was to
lunch with Mrs. Joshua & dine with Frank. Lady Speyer was to play his Andante."
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7 |
"E. in London. sd. had pleasant Evening at Old Queen St. A. & C. & Mary James to Malvern - Made
Gerhardt recital. as equal as a woman cd. be to Ludwig Wüllner lovely sweet sound in soft parts. Large audience.
Walked up -"
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8 |
"E. thought of returning but postponed. Busy with proofs &c. A. drefful tired of not seeing him."
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9 |
"E. returning he hopes. E. arrived all safe D.G - Telling A. about rest of time in London & keen over
his new musics."
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10 |
"Tiresome publishers' letters, no cheering news. E. much depressed & beautiful music driven away."
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11 |
"E. writing business letters, depressed."
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12 |
"Lady Mabel Beresfd. Peirse & Mr. & Mrs. F. James to tea. Quite a success, E. came in & talked."
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13 |
Herbert Brewer write to Elgar: "At a Committee meeting yesterday it was unanimously decided to do your
“Gerontius” & the Symphony at the Festival, & I hope you will again do us the great kindness of conducting your works,
I also hope that you will still be able to give us something new, we should greatly appreciate it if you would."
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14 |
"E. rather depressed. Troyte came in Evening."
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15 |
"Troyte left. E going back to his music. & better. at 6.20. to Worcester for Meeting of Glee Club."
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16 |
"E. returned in the morning. Stray cab. Very successful Evening. He made very nice speeches.
E. A. & C. Boomerang trying in afternoon. E. recd. invitation for 28th. Marlborough House."
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17 |
"C. swelled face - Dr. Collens - E. trying boomerang -"
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18 |
"Windy & wild. E. & C. trying boomerang. Surprise flight into road. rather alarming -
E. wrote Song 'Rustula’"
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19 |
"Frightful gale - rain storms &c. E. tried boomerang after tea - C. better - Dr. Collens came.
E. wrote song "Rustula". Dr. Sinclair & Mr. Hull came to dinner. Quite pleasant Evening."
of it) &c -"
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20 |
"Very wild gale & rain. A. to Church & hard walk back - E. for walk. Trees blown down & telephone
wires tangled & mixed up - E. made Piano arrangement of the Haydn Minuet from Sonata."
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21 |
"Busy helping pack &c. E. to Frank corridor train. Connolly Cab. A. & C. into town - Chose watch
for C. Less wild afternoon. E. to Galworthy Justice in Evg. Fear very gloomy."
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22 |
"Windy & stormy - E. at Old Queen St. A. rather a chill. C. to lunch with Dr. Sinclair & to Concert
Connolly cab. Dr. Collins. C. well again D.G."
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23 |
"Making preparations for London -"
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24 |
"A. by 9.50. Connolly cab. left luggage at Padn. & went to Queen’s Hall. Met E. there & sat with
Frank. Landon Ronald's reading of Symphony very fine. Queen & party there - E. was staying with Frank A. went to
Margaret Levett. E. took her there."
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25 |
"A. rather taken aback at Margaret leaving for S. Giles. Drove with her to station."
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26 |
"Had the carriage & hunted for flats. Richard came to lunch & we hunted more - Dined at Old Queen St."
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27 |
"A. went to the Oratory. E. A. & Frank lunched with the L. Ronalds. Mancinelli & Godowski there & a
Col. & Mrs. ? who played her hymn tunes! Then to Albert Hall Concert & tea at Mrs. Joshua’s & dined at O. Queen St."
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28 |
"E. & A. to lunch with the Gilbert Parkers, very pleasant. A. to meet Carice at Padn & took her to
Miss Paget. E. to dine at Marlborough House & to Concert with Prince of Wales. A. to see N. Cavendish St. Flat &
liked it. Margaret returned."
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March
8
In Spain, the King authorises women to attend university.
10
Slavery is abolished in China.
27
Mount Etna erupts, causing widespread destruction.
28
Henri Fabre make the first flight by a seaplane.
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| March |
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1 |
Elgar writes to Rosa Burley: "I give no address as I am just moving - whither I know not for one week
after this we have taken a flat for a few months: 58 New Cavendish St W"
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2 |
"A. shot home corridor & Jaulnay to prepare Plas Gwyn for Miss Weares & collect things for flat."
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3 |
"A. frightfully busy - arr. with servants & settling Everythg."
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4 |
"A. very busy, Mr. Owen helping - E. with Frank."
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5 |
"A. very hard at work settling Plas Gwyn -"
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6 |
"E. with Frank - motored to Hut. C. with Miss Paget. A. at home - very tired & busy"
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7 |
"A. by 7.45 train to London & Jaulnay. Connolly cab. Arr. at flat. 58 New Cavendish St. very busy
unpacking trying to arrange all - Inventory going on - An inefficient Mrs. Gibbs there - C. arrived & helped - Jaulnay
most helpful - A & C. to dine at O. Queen St. Alice S. W. there -"
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8 |
"Went out looking for shops - very busy settling. Engaged Beatrice to help for a week. E. arrived
about 4 & he & C. went to Mad. Tussaud's. E. A. & C. dined at Mrs. Joshua’s Agnews, Davidsons, &c Frank there -"
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9 |
"Still hard at work. E. & C. to Greenwich. & in the A.M. to Lincoln’s Inn Fields & Soane Museum - A.
pd. calls Parkers, &c &c &c E. to Madras House"
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10 |
"A. & C. to see Mrs Foster & Mrs. Howard."
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11 |
Elgar writes to Adela Schuster: "I have no news of anything artistic - such things seem to be dropping
out of my small weary life - I am like a sham book in a library, only a name & useless for wit or wisdom - one in a
row of useless things & even my binding is shabby!"
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12 |
"E. very bad with chill in bed & in all day - A. by her souse to Madras House. Very interested."
in aftn."
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13 |
"E. still in & vesy badly. A. & C. to Farm St. at 12 - A. & C. to call on the Ramsdens. Alice S.
Wortley to tea -"
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14 |
"A. & C. to Stores Mrs Foster, Rose & Miss Paget to tea -"
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15 |
"E. somewhat better. Margaret L. to tea - liked the flat very much. Lady Maud telephoned to invite E.
to dine & go to Elektra. E. went & enjoyed his Evg. Much impressed with E. but kept on saying The pity of it! the pity
of it - going back to murderous horrors"
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16 |
"Lady Winifride Elwes at Home 9.30 p.m. 48, Onslow Gardens, S.W. Music"
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17 |
"Rose to lunch & with C. to the “Blue Bird". stayed to dine with C. E. & A. to the Triple Bill to
see the last 2 pieces. Quite delightful. Then E. & A. to dine at Cheyne Walk. Lady Northcliffe Lady Alice Ashley &
Claude & Sydney Colvin very nice Evening."
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18 |
"Dr. Smallpeice here nicer than ever. Took E. to see Dr. Simpson, decided to go on for the present.
Very stormy, snow & then sun gleams. A. & C. to S. Paul’s. Heard the Allegri Miserere & then to tea with Martins Sir G.
brought A. & C. home so dear & kind. E. to dine at Cheyne Walk & with Alice to see the Madras House again, not
impressed -"
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19 |
"E. & C. to City & lunched there & walked back, most of the way - A. lunched with Margaret & went with
her to the Sicilians 'Purto Basso'. Wonderful acting & interesting. Frank to tea -"
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20 |
Elgar writes to Troyte Griffith: "We are settled in and are leading London lives. I have been chilled &
livery with east winds & have done nothing sensible but have been to all the first nights & could talk thereupon: we
really don't alter (or improve) much. In all these plays - Barrie Shaw & Barker the two things that produced most
laughter were when one man said he was brought up a Baptist (this convulsed the house both times I saw the play):
in the other case a man said 'I belong to the Ch. of England' this also produced roars of laughter! Curiously nothing
was done or noticed when someone said he was a R. Catholic. Can you make this out? It cannot be explained in a few
words but its very curious. I hope we shall see your family and Harrow shall this time be explored - I wish you could
come before we leave this flat - the library here is immense. Strong was librarian etc to the House of Lords see Who's
Who etc. etc. passim. You really should see the books - they're in all langwidges. The 'pictures' also are interesting
& the furniture & cups & saucers nice"
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21 |
"A. called on Agnews, Landon Ronald to tea - Very nice -"
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22 |
"A. & C. & A. to the Stores in morning. A. raser badsley - E.& A. dined with the Arkwrights at the
House of Commons - Nice to see Vestibule &c but the House had arisen unexpectedly so cd. not see more - nice Mr. Duke
dined with us. Stopped at Old Queen St. on our way back. Rose took C. to S. Paul’s. Bach music"
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23 |
"A. & C. bought Missal. E.'s pesent to A - A. & C. called on Miss Sharpe & then on Blairs. Then to
Westminster Cathedral for Tenebrae most beautiful -"
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24 |
"A. raser badly - E. A. & C. to Hertford House early in aftn. A. & C. to Farm St. Church but mistook
hour of Tenebrae - H. Blair came in & had tea -"
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25 |
"To Spanish Place. Most beautiful Service. Fine day. Not warm - Tenebrae at Westminster Cathedral most
beautiful."
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26 |
"Spanish Place - Mrs. Ramsden to tea & Miss Paget."
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27 |
"Spanish Place - to Ridgehurst at 4.10 - E. & C. walked some way to the house - A Quartet party &
Miss Wild. Mr. F. Bridge rather nice."
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28 |
"Music & walks Returned by 6. - - train - Jaulnay at races."
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29 |
"E. & A. shopping. Bought booful bag for his motor tour & shirt case - to a Cinematograph after tea."
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30 |
"Left Padd: 11.50: Jaulnay saw me off, excellent train via Reading, - then (all new to me as far as
Exeter (E x out) Taunton) via Newbury, Hungerford, Frome, &c. Saw 2 White Horses on the chalk hills. Plunkett Greene in
next Compt. – pleasant talk. He sings at Devonport tonight. Arrd. at Torquay at 3.47. Car (Miss S. & Frank) met me:
cold wind but sunshine all day – when sun ceased, the dark, grey, east-windy aspect; shopping in car then to Summer
hill. – W. H. Mallock & Ld. Clifford of Chudleigh, Mrs. (niece of F.) & Mr, Karslake (touring in motor) to tea.
Afterwards walk with F. & Miss S. – no light – but lovely dusk. Mr. & Mrs. Karslake to dine."
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31 |
"Cold bright E. wind but sunny. F. & I in Car to town – bought calling cards & then long walk to
Anstey’s Cove, lunch at 1.30 Lovely coast & colouring Much talk generally - & of routes for tour Car ride in afternoon
tea & walk en famille. Mr. E. Norris & Mr. & Mrs. Ames to dine – Norris older than I expected but a good, really
gentlemanly man. Mrs. Ames has been ill & shews traces of illness although better."
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April
10
The House of Commons votes to restrict the vetor powers of the House of Lords.
21
General Louis Botha is a candidate to be the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa.
26
Twenty-seven are killed when the French submarine Pluvoise hits a steamship in the English Channel.
30
Inauguration of the Union of South Africa.
31
Theodore Roosevelt receives the freedom of the City of London.
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| April |
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1 |
"E. at Torquay. Happy accounts D.G. A. & C. calls at S. Kensington tea at Lesley Probyns."
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2 |
Elgar write to Windflower: "I am with Frank & his sister & tomorrow F & I commence a motor tour ‘round’
Cornwall - avoiding Tintagel it seems but I am not director or Dictator or Heaven knows what wd. happen to you or to
Tintagel."
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3 |
"Weather changed. drizzling rain, & Frank quickly changed plans so as to get better roads for bad
weather – at 11. started for Tintagel – via via Tavistock & Launceston. (lunch) extraordinary church at L. outside
carvings Snowstorm on crossing the moors - arrd. At Tintagel about 3.30 Sent in wrong names to Wortleys - Frank’s joke."
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4 |
"E. from Tintagel to Penzance - Via Truro & Land’s End. Loved it - C. & Clara to Stores. Mary James
(Jary) arrived in afn. A. C. & Jary to see the "Fighting Chance". Rather too much play for a game -"
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5 |
"Left Tintagel, with many audience, at 9-30 drove via Camelford Truro Redruth Camborne to St. Ives –
lunch & then a wonderful ride by coast road round to Lands’ End –rest & tea – walked out as far as possible & waved to
Pippa & Frank also."
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6 |
Elgar sends Carice a postcard: "An afflicten sea. I walked out as far as I could – very striking
– the coast not me"
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7 |
"E. from Falmouth to Fowey. Delighted with scenery. A. & C. & Jary to Hertfd. House & stupid Cinematg."
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8 |
"Mr. Littleton to tea. E. at Fowey - All lovely."
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9 |
"Daredevil Dorothy."
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10 |
"Left Exeter at 10 via Ilchester to Wincanton dear little town lunch. Then over Salisbury plain – saw
Stonehenge not impressed unimposing – interesting but no ‘feeling’ about it for me. (Frank & I nearly passed it asleep)"
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11 |
"E. returned about 7. all safe D.G. & so radiant & looking so well. Willie Raikes to tea. Dora Penny
to dinner. E. & A. to reception for Strauss at the Speyers -"
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12 |
"A. to Concert & heard 'The Torch’ badly given, Lena Ashwell to tea. Very pleasant. & Frank -"
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13 |
"Mrs. James Stuart requests the pleasure of the company of Lady Elgar and Miss Elgar at Lunch at the
Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly, W., on Wednesday, April 13th, at 1.30. Lunch will be followed by “An Hour of Fairy Story,
Legend and Song”"
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14 |
Elgar writes to Adela Schuster: "I know I should have written a 'hospitable-roof-letter' long ago but
somehow a formal note of the kind described (in the household) as above, did not seem to fit either you or me: so my
polite (& politic maybe) note has remained unwritten among the whirl of the blessed week with Frank & the car. It was
most lovely & Frank even more angelic than ever before. I was so happy the whole time that my letter might become an
essay 'on the possibilities of earthly bliss': You will have heard about the route we proposed to take, & the route
we did take under stress of weather & all that sort of thing but you will not know unless I tell you how good Frank
was, & the enormous meals I ate & the betterment for me in the whole plan."
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15 |
"C. & Clare to International Alice S. Wortley later to fetch her. Miss Paget dined with C. & went to
Trelawny of the Wells. E. & A. dined with Mrs. Howard - Very dull people there."
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16 |
"A. & C. to Prunella &c. Violent thunderstorm. Mr. Barry to tea -"
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17 |
"E. to lunch with S. Wortleys & to Concert. A. & C. to Brit. Museum & tea with Mrs. S. Colvin."
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18 |
"E. A. & C. along Oxford St. & to Brit. Museum Saw Mr. S. Colvin. A. & C. to call on Landers, dreary
expedition, then to tea with Mrs. Saffery, Met Mrs. Terry there. Charming dear people. back by Harrod's to get E.
his brown sugar! -"
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19 |
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20 |
"E. & A. to Queen's Hall Concert. Beethoven Sonatas. Ysaÿe & Pugno Remembered how we played them -
Pure joy to hear them. Perfect playing. E. A. & C. dined with Dr. & Mrs. Simpson - Very dull not sympathetic people -"
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21 |
"E. lunched with A. & C. at Eustace Miles Restaurant, not enjoyable repast."
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22 |
"C.’s dress again to be altered - long interview Debenham’s A. firm! Claude to tea. Very cold suddenly
with cold wind - Very pleasant long visit. E. played Concerto & Symphony no. 2 to him. Deeply impressed."
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23 |
"E. to 1st night of Opera. Saw Higgins. Richter &c."
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24 |
"E. very thrilled with his Concerto & working at it -"
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25 |
Elgar writes to Windflower: "Here are the two stalls for Friday 29th and we have supper here after:
also I send the ticket for the seat next ours for Ysaye on Wednesday afternoon - we are quite close to the platform
for these concerts - a good place."
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|
26 |
"E. very. intent writing. A. & C. to Heals pd. for china & saw some nice things. Frank to lunch -
enjoyed himself, I think. Then to H. Bird's Concert."
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27 |
"E. to Sir Gilbert Parker's dinner party. Most interesting & delightful The most distinguished
company E. looked most booful -"
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|
28 |
"E. to Orchestrelle to mark his booful tempi. C. lunched with Rose Mr. Hansell to tea -"
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29 |
"E. lunched with S. Wortleys & then to private view at Academy. A. went too but cd. not find him mis -"
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30 |
"E. & C. to Botanical Gardens most dreary place -"
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|
May
6
Death of King Edward VIII.
26
Twenty-seven die in the English Channel when the French submarine Pluvoise hits a steamship.
30
The Union of South Africa is inaugurated.
31
Theodore Roosevelt receives the freedom of the City of London.
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| May |
|
|
1 |
"E. drefful headache. A. & C. to Mrs. Joshua to lunch - Dr. Richter then spoke very eloquently about Wagner & also about his Wagner’s
poems"
|
|
2 |
"Dark cloud & fog - extraordinary for May - Had to light electric light."
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|
3 |
Elgar write to Frances Colvin: "You are always so very lenient to me in my foolishness so I write to tell you how very sad we are
to-day: my dear old friend Peter left this life this morning quite suddenly & painlessly: why should I tell you this! Because I want to write to
somebody (- ? everybody) and say how really grieved I am - & then only two people in the world would understand & you are one, So you will not
think me a nuisance. It is terrible to think how many human beings could he spared out of our little life's circle so much easier than my confidant
& adviser Pietro d'Alba."
|
|
4 |
"E. A. C. to Queen's Hall Concert Ysaÿe & Pugno - fine - Mrs Saffery to tea. also Mr. Arthur Boosey & Mr Landon Ronald -"
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|
5 |
"E. very hard at work at his Concerto."
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|
6 |
"E. A. to lunch with Willie & Sybil Baker at her Club. All the way to Covent Gn looking for news - Terrible news only too true - So
difficult to believe the King was really dangerously ill - So terribly sudden. 1000s round Buckingham Palace. E. walked round. Maud Warrender to
tea She thought the illness was very dangerous Oh! our own King. She was dear & beautiful E. A. & C. to Covent Garden for 2nd Act of Siegfried -
They told E. the worst news might come any moment & the performance be stopped. Ghastly feeling to watch for it. At 1.30 A. heard the dreadful
words called out in St. and again later -"
|
|
7 |
"Intense feeling of sadness. E. feeling desolate. A. & C. to find dress for C. Nos. & nos. of people in black already - Papers with
beautiful articles - & people saying King Edward VII’s loss the greatest calamity wh. cd. befall the country."
|
|
8 |
Elgar writes to Frank Schuster: "These times are too cruel & gloomy - it is awful to be here now - that dear sweet-tempered King-Man
was always so 'pleasant' to me."
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|
9 |
"E.'s cold better but all very sad."
|
|
10 |
"E. very depressed. Went to Novellos wh. did not cheer him"
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|
11 |
Lord Howe writes to Elgar: "Frank Schuster wrote to me yesterday, and told me of your offer to compose a Funeral March, to be played
by the Military Bands at the Funeral. I immediately submitted it, through Sir Arthur Bigge, to the King, who desires me to thank you very warmly for
your thoughtfulness, and to say that he is greatly touched by your most kind offer. His Majesty deeply appreciated your kind proposal, but I am to add
that it is feared there is not enough time for the Bands to practise the March sufficiently, to ensure that it could be done justice to on the occasion."
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|
12 |
"E. sad & unsettled."
|
|
13 |
"E. out to buy some mourning things & to Novello’s"
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|
14 |
"E. at The Hut. First really warm day -"
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|
15 |
"A. & C. to Spanish Place - Funeral March after Mass. Very touching."
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|
16 |
"E. at The Hut."
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|
17 |
"A. heard Clara was not well - Sent for Dr. (S. Paget) & he sd. it was mumps."
|
|
18 |
"A. very busy shutting up the Flat &c - then with C. & Jaulnay to the Hut after luncheon - Very lovely Evening, hot, & all beautiful
- a rest after much worry -"
|
|
19 |
"At Hut - Wonderfully beautiful. Flowers, scents, birds singing - all fresh & green - E. very hard at work."
|
|
20 |
"Most splendid hot day - Cd. think of nothing but the beloved King's Funeral - Frank away in London to see it. A. & C. tried to
walk & see the train go by but found dogs had left the boat too, so had to return - Heard the solemn guns about 1 - very impressive wonderful day."
|
|
21 |
"Lovely day. E. hard at work - A. & C. left Hut after lunch & returned - Vesy hard to leave E."
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|
22 |
"E. at The Hut."
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|
23 |
"A. & C. to Japanese Exhibition - Most lovely day, lovely to be out - Dined there."
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|
24 |
"A. & C. busy - E. returned all well in aftn. D.G. Very engrossed in his booful musics."
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|
25 |
"E. very hard at work. To Concert to hear Brahms' Violin Concerto in aftn."
|
|
26 |
Parry writes to Elgar: "I have had a letter from one Lady Strachey, who is a keen Woman Suffragist informing me that the National
Union of their Societies have the words of a Song written for the Air composed by Sir Edward Elgar – “Land of Hope and Glory” and asking what is
the best way to get permission to sing it at their meetings. She asked for a card with a line of introduction. So I told her I would inflict a
letter upon you. If you are not in sympathy it will be rather hard on you to have your music sung to inspire the suffragettes. But it rests with you."
|
|
27 |
Elgar writes to Frank Schuster: "Here we “are” & life is not much more than mere being: How I miss the Hut & your talk of it!"
|
|
28 |
"Mr. Reed came to play Concerto with E. beautiful - He stayed to lunch - (provided mostly by Harrod & fetched by A. & C.!)"
|
|
29 |
"E. raser badsley in Evening. Had worked raser too hard -"
|
|
30 |
Elgar writes to Billie Reed: "I do not know how to thank you sufficiently for your kind help and most beautiful playing on Saturday. I
am anxious to send the first movement to the printers and am only waiting for the final 'flourish'. I enclose a truly diabolical effort: I wish you
could look at it and if you could spare a few minutes before Thursday I should be so very obliged if you could play it to me."
|
|
31 |
"E. very headachy."
|
|
June
2
British explorers find Pygmies in the Great Snow Mountains of Dutch New Guinea.
6
Jean Charcot acclaimed in Paris upon return from unsuccessful attempt to reach the South Pole.
7
Birth of Pietro Annigoni, Italian artist. (Died October 29, 1988.)
11
Birth of French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.
13
Birth of Mary Whitehouse, General Secretary of the National Viewers and Listeners Association.
|
| June |
|
|
1 |
"Very busy packing &c ... Alice S. W. to say goodbye to us at the flat. E. to the Opera - After taking A. & C. to dine at his Club -
A. saw Whitehall flats. A. & C. very busy clearing things - A. called at Lady Charlie’s &c &c &c
|
|
2 |
Elgar writes to Alfred Littleton: "I was sorry to miss you yesterday & am glad you like the look of the Concerto I wish you could have
heard Mr. Reed play some of it - I wanted to arrange it here but it was too difficult - (the problem of meeting I mean not the Concerto)."
|
|
3 |
"E. at Midland Hotel Birming. Rehearsal in aftn. Had tea with Mr Beale at Maple Bank. Splendid Concert. L. Ronald conducted the
Symphony - Crowded house. E. conducted the Variations, Wand of Youth &c enormous enthusiasm. A. & C. very very busy struggling with house."
|
|
4 |
"E. home 9.55 Connelly cabs. Lovely day - Hot & fine - garden looking lovely - E. liking it. Wonderful white lupins & yellow & poppies
& peonies just coming & Heuchera & Geum - &c. & roses & Clematis - Cuckoos & birds all singing. Swallows' nest with eggs & small babies. E. looking
well & pleasant time & great success at Birm. D.G."
|
|
5 |
Elgar writes to Windflower: "I arrive at the Deanery, Lincoln, on Tuesday eveng: please let me know at that address when & where you
arrive. You may know my hostess (I do not yet!) but she - Mrs Wickham - was a daughter of Gladstone."
|
|
6 |
"E. very busy - Letters & his musics - Muss peased with his house & garden & not wanting to gose away. For a ride with C. in P.M.
Packing for E. gosing on -"
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|
7 |
"E. to Lincoln - at 11.30 Connolly taxi - Gray rather heavy air - rain beginning. E. had good journey & stayed at the Deanery. A short
chorus rehearsal in Evg. A. & C. very busy - To town in Connolly taxi in aft. walked back -"
|
|
8 |
"E. at Deanery, Lincoln. rehearsal - Conducted his Wand of Youth at Evening Concert. great success. A. & C. very very busy so much to
arrange. Very hot house air & rain - Violent, indeed terrific thunderstorm about 11 P.M. frightful - torrents of rain -"
|
|
9 |
"Very fine & hot at Lincoln - Most wonderful & impressive performance of "Gerontius", E. said “lovely to see & hear" - So thankful -
E. to supper at Dr. Bennetts. A. & C. very hard at work getting things into order - Very hot & heavy air - but fine in P.M. & C. went to Worcester
with the F. James - motoring. Did not see Aeroplane go up -"
|
|
10 |
"E. badsley headache after supper at Dr. Bennetts after fatigues - Very hot & fine at Lincoln. E. left about 11 - & went to The Hut.
Trust it is dry there - At Hereford thick gray mist. Very heavy hothouse air. Heavy storm again about 11 P.M. & torrents of rain - Pianola came,
no one to help it in! Very busy day with it. A. & C. into town taxi into town walked back -"
|
|
11 |
"Heard from E. & gathered head was better - Very heavy air & mist. A gleam of sun in P.M. then a little light rain & lightning later.
Moving furniture to suit Pianola - A. & C. practised it."
|
|
12 |
"E. at The Hut. Lionel Holland there - A. & C. to town Church at 8 - Nice morning."
|
|
13 |
"A. very busy in the house - which was gradually progressing. Lovely weather in garden lovely."
|
|
14 |
"To town to see Mr. Littleton about American arrgt. & Pippa who had arrived all safe. Took her to Hut. A. & C. to Colwall Connelly
cab heavenly weather perfect scenery Walked thro’ lovely flowering meads to Brit. Camp & long way down Ridgeway but did not reach open part.
Rested sitting on Hill & had tea then drove to M. Wells station & so home. Walked from station."
|
|
15 |
"E. at The Hut. All to town - Saw Russian dances. A. & C. to river below Littery to lunch out. not wanted in the ‘ouse! Very hot sun
returning Most beautiful for scenery & sky -"
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|
16 |
"C. judging flower competitions. House nearly finished. Heavenly weather. Garden lovely."
|
|
17 |
E;gar write to Ivor Atkins: "Now the Concerto is printing & waxes big & you must see it. So I hope you will be able to come to use as
of yore before the S. fever days - so long ago. I think you will like the stuff!"
|
|
18 |
"E. arrived by corridor Connelly cab. All well D.G. Had had to go to Messrs. N. so cd. not motor with Frank to Oxford as arranged.
E. enjoyed the garden -"
|
|
19 |
"E. A. & C. & Pippa to Belmont Connelly car &c - little round afterwards. Very hot. Garden peonies & roses quite lovely."
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|
20 |
"Pippa left. Connelly - Very very hot. E. & C. for short ride."
|
|
21 |
"Lovely day. not quite so hot. E. raser tired. Connelly car, meaning to go to the Northgate but it was so noisy we gave it up &
returned. Wrote to Villa for music paper for E."
|
|
22 |
"Lovely day. not so hot. A. & C. to town Conly taxi. Thunderstorm -"
|
|
23 |
Elgar write to Windflower: "I have no news except that I am appalled at the last movement and cannot get on: - it is growing so large -
too large I fear and I have headaches; Mr Reed comes to us next Thursday to play it through and mark the bowings in the first movement and we shall
judge the finale and condemn it: if you like."
|
|
24 |
"Faser finished & sent off last movement of the Violin Concerto E. & C. for walk."
|
|
25 |
Elgar writes to Ivor Atkins: "W H Reed - a good man - cometh here on Thursday (morning I think - but the proceedings promise to be
long & lively) to play thro’ the Concerto & help me ‘bow’ the same. Why should you not come & help? & cast an avuncular eye on the merry, vibrant gut?"
|
|
26 |
"E. busy writing."
|
|
27 |
"E. busy writing."
|
|
28 |
"A. to Malvern"
|
|
29 |
"E. much annoyed at hearing Novello had given proofs of Concerto to Newman to show Kreisler - Sent stringent, disapproving telegram."
|
|
30 |
"E. very hard at work & rather worried over the Concerto plans -"
|
|
July
1
The Black and Decker Co. is founded by Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker.
2
Oscar T. Tamm of St. Louis becomes the first man to cross Arctic Circle by car.
3
Self-government for Finland abolished.
5
Britons win both mens and womens singles titles at Wimbledon.
|
| July |
|
|
1 |
"E. muss puzzled over Performance of Concerto plans - All fighting hard - Went to London corridor. taxi? & saw Mr. Littleton & met
Kreisler & showed him the Concerto much impressed. He said at one passage “I will shake Queen's Hall"! - I pray he will & all go well."
|
|
2 |
"E. left London & met A. (& Jaulnay) at Bristol. Had tiring journey - A left (Connolly cab) & had a waiting journey to Bristol,
So peased to see E. cd. not find him at first. Carriage met them at Truro. Lovely drive to Porthgwidden nice afternoon. A very warm welcome, Mary & Col.
Trefusis both came onto outer door to meet & greet them. Lovely view & place - tea in lovely Loggia -"
|
|
3 |
"E. for a long walk in aftn. with the Colonel - liked it all much. Lovely day. Sat out in loggia & walked in lovely grounds - Lovely
view of Estuary & away to sea & glimpse of ships. Lovely air - Mary very radiant delightful to see her in her own beautiful home - devoted to her
Colonel & boy - & making a noble, high, & beautiful atmosphere all around. her. A very noble woman."
|
|
4 |
Elgar writes to Frank Schuster: "My dear Frankie, It is heavenly etc. here! but I would like to choose my company as you allow us
(me?) to do at the Hut. You remember we looked round the corner of the House on to the terrace. Lady M is as of old and always very ‘nice’ & dear
& rather severe. Of the rest I will tell you. Alice is radiantly happy & sleeps always - the air is divinely reposeful."
|
|
5 |
"Very wet morning but cd. still be out in Loggia. E. busy writing. Cleared after luncheon, E. & Col. Trefusis walked. Mary drove
A. with her nice ponies a lovely round, past Quaker's meeting House "Come to Good” -"
|
|
6 |
Alice writes to Windflower: "We are much looking forward to seeing you on Saturday. Your train only stops at Worcester & Malvern, &
leaves Paddington 1.40 – I do hope it will clear up for you to see the Country looking beautiful. It is lovely here, & E. looks so rested & refreshed -
Perhaps it is as well we have to leave tomorrow, it is so beautiful & soothing one might forget the outer world too soon. The 3rd movement of the
Concerto is beyond words beautiful."
|
|
7 |
"E. & A. left Porthgwidden about 10 - Col. Trefusis & Capt. Seymour Erskine drove them into Truro - At Exeter E. went on to Bournemouth
with Jaulnay - A. went on to Bristol waited there, then to Severn Tunnel, waited 1 hour there."
|
|
8 |
"A. & C. returned from Newland, stopping at Gloucester to see houses on the way - home late, stray cab - E. at Bournemouth not liking at
all. Rehearsal in morning & Concert in Evening. His sings went well & much enthusiasm. A. Littleton there - & E. like E. German - Saw Parry & Mackenzie.
Did not speak to Stanford who fled when he saw E. !"
|
|
9 |
"E. home all safe D.G. from Bournemouth about 2.15? Connelly Cab. Very bored with festivities there. Much enthusiasm for him at
Concert. Began to work again -"
|
|
10 |
"E. raser cold & badsly headache - A. & C. to Church at 8. E. & C. for walk - late."
|
|
11 |
Alice writes to John Austin: "Sir Edward asks me to write & tell you that he has just begun to orchestrate his Violin Concerto & he
wd. be so very glad if you cd. come (bringing pens which suit you), & write in the Violin part for him – The first possible day for you he wd. be
so glad to see you & we hope you wd. of course stay the night or longer. On Friday Sir E. has to go to York for a Rehearsal – If you shd. be able to
come tomorrow, please not trouble to send word but just come –"
|
|
12 |
Francesco Berger writes to Elgar: "We are doing our utmost to fix Kreisler for the two performances of your Concerto. The first date
(10 Nov) is all right, but our second one (24 Nov) does not suit him, & we cannot get Queen’s Hall before the 28 – so I am trying to find a date on
which he can come & we can get the Hall. – The 30 Nov. seems possible for this and as soon as it is settled I shall of course write to you –
meanwhile pray keep this open for us. –"
|
|
13 |
"E. very absorbed in his beautiful work - Mr. Austin arrived about 10. & wrote out the Vio. part in 1st movement. A. busy bracketing
sheets &c - Mr. Austin quite overcome hearing some of the slow movement. Lovely high summer day - hot. E. & A. lovesly walk by river -"
|
|
14 |
Hans Richter writes to Elgar: "What splendid news: the Violin-Concerto will be ready in autumn. Who will have the honour to play it?
Kreisler will play in Manchester on November the 3rd. I am told that after a short soirée in England he will go to America, but this is a hearsay only.
Please let me know as soon as possible who is nominated to introduce your work, because we should like to engage the same artist, who is honoured by
your confidence. As conductor of the Halle-Concerts I feel obliged to ask you, whether we could have the first performance of the Concert; as friend
I should not venture to be so importunate."
|
|
15 |
"E. to York by his souse 11.26. Taxi - Long, tiring journey. Saw Mr. Embleton & pleasant time with him at Leeds. Rehearsal, King Olaf,
in evening. A. by 1. train Taxi to Cheltenham arranged about lost stud. then to Gloucester about a house. cd. not see the one possible one. Mistook
train, so not back till late Connelly hansom - found telegrams from E. & C. all safe D.G. & saying Philharm had settled to give the Concerto with
Kreisler - Quite cool & changed
|
|
16 |
"E. from York to Queen Anne's Had had fine rehearsal - & telegrams telling the Philc. wd. give the Concerto first. To Cambridge in
aftn. A. very busy. Into town after tea. Taxi. Called at the Gortons - & to Church - Walked back, found dear telsegram from E. All safe in London -"
|
|
17 |
Elgar writes to Windflower: "The rehearsal (Chorus) was fine & promises well. Our Concerto is fixed for Nov 10 (& 30th) Kreisler -
Philharmonic Socy Queen's Hall. I am here from two o'clock onwards and shall remain scoring hard till theatre time."
|
|
18 |
"E. at Queen Anne’s. Very busy, going to Novello & settling everything. Saw Frank but had headache & did not go to Opera with him - A.
very busy over many things in getting ready."
|
|
19 |
"E. left Queen Anne’s for York. Went at once to Rehearsal - A. left 10 - - - - train & Jaulnay. Connolly cab - Arr. York Royal
Station Hotel & found E. back from Rehearsal. Alice S. W. arrived & Prof. Terry - Went to rehearsal & saw Paul Kilburn & found Kilburns there,
dined all together & then to E.'s rehearsal of King Olaf. Quite splendid. Superb Chorus."
|
|
20 |
"E. raser headache. Very wet & gray - & chilly. E. conducted in afternoon - Cockaigne, Variations, Sea Pictures & Wand of Youth,
splendidly, electrified the Orch - & audience - E. did not go to Evening Conct. - or A. or A.S.W. Elijah - was given -"
|
|
21 |
"The Nobles had an 'At Home' at S. William’s College in aftn. then E. had rehearsal. with Gervase Elwes & Agnes Nicholls. Then
King Olaf in Evening. Absolutely magnificent. E. swept all along with marvellous magnetism & all was a revelation of splendour."
|
|
22 |
"E. photographed & also with G. Bantock & Mr. Noble - All very jubilant over great success of Fest. & full of enthusiasm for E.
Left about 12.20 & travelled home with Alice S. W. & maid & Jaulnay - taxi & cab. Connolly. Alice S. W. much excited seeing house, running seeing e
verythg. Found C. here all well. D.G."
|
|
23 |
"E. taking up his Orchn. again - Cloudy & chilly. E. & Alice S. W. for walk in aftn. ‘King Olaf’ ringing in one's mind -"
|
|
24 |
Tertius Noble writes to Elgar: "How can I express to you what I feel! it is quite impossible, but I think you know how truly grateful I am to you
for all you did to make my first York Festival such a success – you have won the heart of every member of my Chorus by your wonderful charm of manner.
I scarcely think you can realise how they all love you – we all have a very warm corner in our hearts for you – Thank you a thousand times for all you
have done – I wish I could write what I feel – but I am not a good hand at the game! I shall never forget the lovely orchestral things you conducted -
& the glorious performance of King Olaf will live in my memory till the end. York is bubbling over still, and cannot understand how it was all done!
At our next Festival we shall have far greater support, of that I am certain - & I trust you will again honour us by coming –"
|
|
25 |
"E. very hard at work. After lunch Connolly Taxi to Kilpeck. Delightful drive - E. & Alice S. W. for walk afterwards. at 9.30 Alice
S. W. C. & A. to Cathedral. Dr. Sinclair played Organ to them very beautifully - E. stayed & worked. Connolly taxi there & back"
|
|
26 |
"Windy - but gleams of Sun - E. very busy with his musics. A. into town & to meet Mr. Reed - Stray cab back. Dr. Sinclair to lunch.
Glorious music. Mr. Reed playing the Concerto thro’ & thro’ - Cadenza wonderful. Canon & Mrs. Gorton to hear it. E. & C. & Alice S. W. & Mr. Reed
for Boomerang walk - A. with Gorton to Castle Hill."
|
|
27 |
"Alice S. Wortley left. Connolly cab - Mr. Reed left Early Connolly Taxi - Still cloudy & windy - E. busy with more proofs &c.
Alice S. Wortley left very regretfully. Seemed perfectly happy here. & quickly adopted the current vocabulary."
|
|
28 |
"E. very hard at work & finished orchestrating 1st movement, had done 2nd - his booful Concerto. Busy correcting &c - Very steamy &
stuffy & rain storms."
|
|
29 |
Elgar writes to Windflower: "I have just posted the full score, over which we worked, to the publishers."
|
|
30 |
"A. & Mr. Martin to Cathedral &c - He gave E. interesting account of his life & very hard struggle - To London in P.M. Connolly cab -
& taxi He played most wonderfully E. & C. for long walk."
|
|
31 |
"Troyte rode over. Quite a nice day. Mrs. Gorton & Lady Robinson & the Duchess & Miss Thomas to tea - E. & Troyte for long walk -"
|
| | |
|
