Bonhams 1793 : ELGAR (EDWARD) Autograph letter signed, 1918

Autograph letter signed ("E Elgar"), to Robin Legge, expressing satisfaction at having written a good tune and discussing other matters; together with an typed letter signed ("Edward Elgar"), to Maurice Beasley, about his forthcoming death: "I had, in epencephalic regions, some feeling that a few persons were not anxious I should expire at once for their amusement, but as your assure me everyone considers it time to 'Let the procession now advance' I can only acquiesce and promise to get out of everyone's way as expeditiously as possible", 2 pages, taped or tipped onto album leaves, 4to, Brinkwells, 20 November 1918 and Tiddington House, 19 June 1928

Sold for £875 inc. premium

Footnotes

ELGAR ON 'LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY': "Yes I am proud to have provided my fellow Britons with a tune". Robin Legge, a friend of Delius and recipient of the first letter, has docketed it with the note that the tune in question is 'Land of Hope and Glory'; Elgar was no doubt responding to its first performance on the first Armistice Night, 1918; a tradition that was to be maintained for many years prior to its appropriation by promenaders.

Category: Books / Books, Maps and Manuscripts

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