June 2, 1857:
Edward William Elgar is born in Crown East Lane, Broadheath, Worcestershire, United Kingdom, five km northwest of Worcester, the fourth of seven children born to William Henry Elgar, organist and piano tuner, and Anne Greening, daughter of a Herefordshire farmer.
June 11, 1857:
Edward Elgar (0) is baptized at St. George’s Roman Catholic Church in Worcester.
September 10, 1866:
Edward Elgar (9) attends the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester for the first time.
May 29, 1872:
Edward Elgar (14) dates his earliest surviving work, The Language of Flowers, for piano. He dedicates it “To my sister Lucy on her birthday.”
June 26, 1872:
Edward Elgar (15) finishes his last term at Littleton House and enters the law office of William Allen in Worcester.
July 14, 1872:
Edward Elgar (15) plays the organ at mass for the first time, in St. George’s, Worcester.
June 12, 1878:
Introductory Overture for the Christy Minstrels for flute, cornet, and strings by Edward Elgar (21) is performed for the first time, in the Worcester Music Hall, the composer conducting.
January 1, 1879:
Edward Elgar (21) enters upon duties as music director of the County Lunatic Asylum in Powick. He directs chamber music played by the staff for the edification of the inmates. The salary is £30 per year with five shillings extra for any new piece he might compose for them.
June 29, 1879:
Two sacred works for chorus and organ by Edward Elgar (22) are performed for the first time, in St. George’s Church, Worcester: Domine salvam fac and Tantum ergo.
June 6, 1880:
A setting of the Salve Regina by Edward Elgar (23) is performed for the first time, in St. George’s Church, Worcester.
March 1, 1881:
Why so Pale and Wan, a part song, and the march Pas-redouble no.1, both by Edward Elgar (23), are performed for the first time, in Worcester.
May 17, 1881:
Air de Ballet for orchestra by Edward Elgar (23) is performed for the first time, in Worcester.
December 31, 1881:
Edward Elgar (24) leaves Worcester for a sojourn in Leipzig.
February 20, 1882:
The march Pas Redoublé no.2 by Edward Elgar (24) is performed for the first time, in Guildhall, Worcester.
December 13, 1883:
WC Stockley’s orchestra gives the first performance of Intermezzo moresque by one of the orchestra’s violinists, Edward Elgar (26), in Birmingham Town Hall.
March 17, 1884:
A Soldier’s Song op.5 for male chorus by Edward Elgar (26) to words of Hayward is performed for the first time, in Worcester. The work will be renamed A War Song.
May 1, 1884:
Sevillana for orchestra by Edward Elgar (26) is performed for the first time, in Worcester Public Hall.
May 12, 1884:
Edward Elgar’s (26) Sevillana is performed at the Crystal Palace. It is the first of his music to be heard in London. A few hours later, the Third Symphony of Johannes Brahms (51) is performed for the first time in Britain.
January 20, 1885:
Edward Elgar (27) signs a contract in London with Schott for the publication of his Romance for violin and piano. Elgar gives them the copyright for one schilling and twenty free copies. It is his first work to be published.
March 27, 1885:
Allegretto on GEDGE for violin and piano by Edward Elgar (27) is performed for the first time, in Wells House, Malvern. Rev. William Gedge runs a preparatory school in Malvern Wells. Elgar teaches some of his seven daughters, and dedicated this work to two of them.
October 20, 1885:
Romance op.1 for violin and piano by Edward Elgar (28) is performed for the first time, in The Deanery, Worcester.
October 6, 1886:
A 38-year-old woman named Alice Roberts arrives at the door of Edward Elgar (29) in Malvern, Worcestershire, answering his advertisement of piano lessons. It is the first time he sees his future wife.
February 23, 1888:
Suite in D for orchestra by Edward Elgar (30) is performed completely for the first time, conducted by the composer in Birmingham. See 14 March 1882 and 13 December 1883.
May 7, 1888:
Three Pieces for string orchestra by Edward Elgar (30) are performed for the first time, in Worcester.
September 22, 1888:
Edward Elgar (31) and Alice Roberts announce their engagement to the horror of her family.
October 9, 1888:
Ecce sacerdos magnus for chorus and organ by Edward Elgar (31) is performed for the first time, in St. George’s Church, Worcester.
May 4, 1889:
Edward Elgar (31) departs his home in Worcester for London. He is getting married and making his way in his profession.
May 8, 1889:
Edward Elgar (31) marries Caroline Alice Roberts, daughter of a Major-General, at Brompton Oratory, London. Her family, upper-crust Anglicans, do not approve of a union with a working-class Catholic. The ceremony is Catholic. The couple will honeymoon on the Isle of Wight.
November 11, 1889:
Salut d’amour for orchestra by Edward Elgar (32) is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace, London.
September 10, 1890:
The Froissart Overture op.19 by Edward Elgar (33) is performed for the first time, in Worcester Public Hall conducted by the composer.
November 13, 1890:
My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land op.18/3 for chorus by Edward Elgar (33) to words of Lang is performed for the first time, in Tenbury.
June 20, 1891:
Edward Elgar (34) and his family move into Forli, their new house at 37 Alexandra Road, Malvern Link, Worcestershire, the house they will occupy for eight years.
September 28, 1891:
The Worcester Choral Society creates an orchestral branch and elects Edward Elgar (34) as its conductor.
December 23, 1892:
Edward Elgar (35) learns how to play golf, at Hasfield Court in Gloucestershire. He will later write, “Golf…is the best form of exercise for writing men, as it involves no risk of accident, is always ready without much preliminary arrangement, and has the inestimable advantage of being solidly respectable, inasmuch as it is seldom worth seeing and rarely worth reading about.” (Bird, 220)
April 7, 1893:
Spanish Serenade for chorus and small orchestra by Edward Elgar (35) to words of Longfellow is performed for the first time, in Hereford. On the same program is the premiere of the second movement of Elgar’s Serenade in e minor op.20 for string orchestra.
April 18, 1893:
The Black Knight op.25, a cantata by Edward Elgar (35) to words of Uhland translated by Longfellow is performed for the first time, in Worcester Public Hall conducted by the composer. The press, although local only, is “respectable.”
April 8, 1894:
Sursum corda op.11 for strings, brass, and organ by Edward Elgar (36) is performed for the first time, in Worcester Cathedral, for a visit by George, Duke of York.
February 13, 1895:
Edward Elgar (37) is elected an honorary member of the Herefordshire Philharmonic Society.
July 8, 1895:
Organ Sonata in G by Edward Elgar (38) is performed for the first time, in Worcester Cathedral. It was composed for the visit of a group of American organists.
April 21, 1896:
From the Bavarian Highlands, six choral songs with piano or orchestra by Edward Elgar (38), is performed for the first time, in Worcester conducted by the composer.
July 23, 1896:
The Serenade op.20 by Edward Elgar (39) is performed completely for the first time in public, in Antwerp.
September 8, 1896:
The Light of Life, an oratorio by Edward Elgar (39) to words of Capel-Cure after the Bible, is performed for the first time, in Worcester Cathedral, the composer conducting. The press, for the first time including the London critics, is enthusiastic.
October 30, 1896:
Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf, a cantata by Edward Elgar (39) to words of Longfellow and Acworth, is performed for the first time, in Hanley conducted by the composer. The work is a critical and popular triumph.
February 25, 1897:
Two songs for voice and piano by Edward Elgar (39) are performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London: Through the Long Days to words of Hay, and Like to the Damask Rose to words of Wastell.
April 19, 1897:
Imperial March op.32 by Edward Elgar (39) is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace, London as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria. Credit for the composition is ascribed to Richard Elgar.
April 26, 1897:
Edward Elgar’s (39) song Roundel: The Little Eyes that Never Knew Light for voice and piano to words of Swinburne is performed for the first time, in Worcester, the composer at the piano.
May 18, 1897:
The Banner of St. George op.33 for chorus and orchestra by Edward Elgar (39) to words of Wensley is performed for the first time, in Earl’s Court, London.
September 12, 1897:
Te Deum and Benedictus op.34 for chorus, orchestra, and organ by Edward Elgar (40) is performed for the first time, in Hereford Cathedral.
October 23, 1897:
Three Bavarian Dances for orchestra by Edward Elgar (40) is performed for the first time, in Crystal Palace, London, conducted by the composer.
December 7, 1897:
Rondel op.16c, a song by Edward Elgar (40) to words of Longfellow after Froissart, is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London.
May 7, 1898:
Edward Elgar (40) conducts the first concert of the Worcestershire Philharmonic. He will hold this post until 1904.
October 5, 1898:
Caractacus, a cantata by Edward Elgar (41) to words of Acworth, is performed for the first time, in Leeds, conducted by the composer. The audience gives overwhelming support, the press is “polite” but mixed. Afterwards, Elgar first makes the acquaintance of Hubert Parry (50). Gabriel Fauré (53) and Charles Villiers Stanford (46) are also in the audience.
November 14, 1898:
Edward Elgar’s (41) Festival March in C is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace.
March 21, 1899:
Edward Elgar (41), his wife and daughter move to a new home which they call Craeg Lea, in West Malvern.
May 24, 1899:
Edward Elgar’s (41) part-song To Her Beneath Whose Steadfast Star to words of Myers is performed for the first time, at Windsor Castle as one of a group of songs dedicated to Queen Victoria on her 80th birthday.
June 21, 1899:
Dry Those Fair, Those Crystal Eyes, a song for voice and piano by Edward Elgar (42) to words of King is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall.
July 16, 1899:
Two works for small orchestra by Edward Elgar (42) are performed for the first time, in an all-Elgar concert in New Brighton, conducted by the composer: Minuet op.21 and Three Characteristic Pieces op.10. This concert, organized by Granville Bantock (30), begins a lifelong friendship between Elgar and Bantock.
September 13, 1899:
Variations on an Original Theme “Enigma” op.36 for orchestra by Edward Elgar (42) is performed for the first time with the extended ending, in Public Hall, Worcester, the composer conducting.
October 5, 1899:
Sea Pictures op.37 for alto and orchestra by Edward Elgar (42) to words of various writers is performed for the first time, in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich conducted by the composer. The work is a success.
March 2, 1900:
Two songs for voice and piano by Edward Elgar (42), After (words by Marston) and A Song of Flight (words by Rossetti) op.31, are performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London.
April 30, 1900:
Pipes of Pan, a song for voice and piano with words by Ross and music by Edward Elgar (42) is performed for the first time, at Crystal Palace, London. See 10 October 1902.
October 3, 1900:
The oratorio The Dream of Gerontius op.38 for mezzo-soprano, tenor, bass, chorus, and orchestra, words by JH Newman and music by Edward Elgar (43), is performed for the first time, at Birmingham Town Hall. The premiere is a disaster, owing chiefly to the lack of preparation of the chorus.
November 22, 1900:
Edward Elgar (43) is awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music by Cambridge University.
November 27, 1900:
The Sérénade lyrique for small orchestra by Edward Elgar (43) is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London.
June 20, 1901:
Cockaigne (In London Town) op.40, an overture for orchestra by Edward Elgar (44), is performed for the first time, at Queen’s Hall, London, directed by the composer. It is a great success with press and public.
September 14, 1901:
Two works for small orchestra, Chanson de matin, op.15a and Chanson de nuit, op.15b, by Edward Elgar (44), are performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
October 19, 1901:
Edward Elgar’s (44) Pomp and Circumstance Marches nos. 1 and 2, op.39/1-2, are performed for the first time, in Liverpool.
October 21, 1901:
Incidental music to the play Grania and Diarmid by Moore and Yeats, composed by Edward Elgar (44), is performed for the first time, at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin.
October 22, 1901:
Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March no.1 is performed in London for the first time. The conductor, Henry Wood, says “The people simply rose and yelled...the one and only time in the history of the Promenade concerts that an orchestral item was accorded a double encore.”
October 26, 1901:
Edward Elgar’s (44) song In the Dawn, to words of Benson, is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
October 31, 1901:
Come, gentle night, a song by Edward Elgar (44) to words of Bingham, is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall, London.
December 2, 1901:
Concert allegro, op.46 for piano, of Edward Elgar (44) is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London. It is warmly received by the audience but critics are cool.
January 18, 1902:
Funeral March op.42/2 by Edward Elgar (44) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
May 10, 1902:
May Song for orchestra by Edward Elgar (44) is performed for the first time, in Public Hall, Worcester, conducted by the composer.
May 21, 1902:
One day after the German premiere of The Dream of Gerontius in Düsseldorf, Edward Elgar (44) attends a dinner at which Richard Strauss (37) gives a speech. Strauss is disparaging of English music in general but ends by proposing, “to the welfare and success of the first English progressivist, Meister Edward Elgar, and of the young progressivist school of English composers.”
June 21, 1902:
Land of Hope and Glory for alto, chorus, and orchestra by Edward Elgar (45) to words of Benson, is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall, London.
August 9, 1902:
The coronation ceremonies of King Edward VII of Great Britain, in Westminster Abbey, include the first performance of the hymn O Mightiest of the Mighty by Edward Elgar (45) to words of Clarke, the Marche du couronnement op.117 for orchestra by Camille Saint-Saëns (66), and the anthem I was glad by Hubert Parry (54) to words of the Psalms. See 23 June 1911.
September 4, 1902:
Two pieces for piano or small orchestra entitled Dream Children op.43 by Edward Elgar (45) are performed for the first time, at Queen’s Hall, London. These are the orchestral versions.
October 2, 1902:
The Coronation Ode op.44 for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, by Edward Elgar (45), to words of Benson, is performed for the first time, at Sheffield conducted by the composer, with a raging toothache.
October 10, 1902:
Pipes of Pan, a song for voice and orchestra with words by Ross and music by Edward Elgar (42) is performed for the first time, in Colston Hall, Bristol, the composer conducting. See 30 April 1900.
January 17, 1903:
Skizze for piano by Edward Elgar (45) is performed for the first time, in Ridgehurst, Shenley, Hertfordshire by the composer.
May 2, 1903:
Weary Wind of the West, for mixed chorus by Edward Elgar (45) to words of Brown, is performed for the first time, in Morecambe.
June 6, 1903:
Edward Elgar’s oratorio The Dream of Gerontius is performed in London for the first time, at Westminster Cathedral, conducted by the composer. It receives a much better response than its premiere. See 3 October 1900.
October 14, 1903:
The oratorio The Apostles op.49 by Edward Elgar (46), to his own words after the Bible, is performed for the first time, under the composer’s direction in Birmingham Town Hall. It is a resounding success.
March 12, 1904:
Two partsongs op.26 for female chorus by Edward Elgar (46) to words of his wife CA Elgar, are performed for the first time in an orchestral setting, in Queen’s Hall, London.
March 14, 1904:
Today begins a three-day festival of the music of Edward Elgar (46) at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Never before has such an honor been accorded a living English composer.
March 16, 1904:
In the South overture op.50 by Edward Elgar (46) is performed for the first time, in the Royal Opera House, London, conducted by the composer.
April 12, 1904:
Through the efforts of Charles Villiers Stanford (51) and Hubert Parry (56), Edward Elgar (46) is elected to the Athenaeum Club.
April 25, 1904:
Five Partsongs from the Greek Anthology op.45, for male chorus by Edward Elgar (46), are performed for the first time at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
June 22, 1904:
Edward Elgar (47) receives an honorary degree from the University of Durham.
July 5, 1904:
Edward Elgar (47) is knighted by King Edward VII in Buckingham Palace.
November 26, 1904:
Edward Elgar (47) agrees to become Peyton Professor of Music at the University of Birmingham, a newly endowed chair.
February 7, 1905:
Edward Elgar (47) receives an honorary doctorate from Oxford University.
March 16, 1905:
Edward Elgar (47) gives the first of his Birmingham Lectures entitled “A Future for English Music.” He attacks some current English composers such as Charles Villiers Stanford (52) although not by name, and claims that current English music is held in no regard abroad. Formerly friends, Elgar and Stanford cease communication.
June 9, 1905:
Edward Elgar (48) and his wife board the Deutschland at Dover for a voyage to America.
June 15, 1905:
Edward Elgar (48) and his wife arrive at New York.
July 11, 1905:
Edward Elgar (48) and his wife board ship in New York bound for Liverpool.
September 12, 1905:
Edward Elgar (48) is granted the Freedom of the City of Worcester.
May 12, 1906:
Evening Scene for mixed chorus by Edward Elgar (48) to words of Patmore, is performed for the first time, in Morecambe.
September 26, 1906:
Edward Elgar (49) receives an honorary doctorate from the University of Aberdeen.
October 3, 1906:
The oratorio The Kingdom op.51, by Edward Elgar (49) to his own words after the Bible, is performed for the first time, in Birmingham Town Hall, conducted by the composer. The hall is filled and the press and public are “ecstatic.”
March 19, 1907:
Edward Elgar (49) makes his first professional appearance in New York, conducting The Apostles in Carnegie Hall.
July 6, 1907:
Edward Elgar (50) receives an honorary MA from Birmingham University.
August 24, 1907:
Pomp and Circumstance March no.4, op.39/4 by Edward Elgar (50) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
December 14, 1907:
Edward Elgar’s (50) The Wand of Youth Symphonic Suite no.1 is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
January 1, 1908:
Christmas Greeting for two sopranos, male chorus, two violins, and piano op.52 by Edward Elgar (50), to words of his wife, CA Elgar, is performed for the first time, in Hereford Cathedral.
March 23, 1908:
A letter to The Times of London announces the formation of The Musical League to promote the exchange of ideas among composers and musicians, and hold an annual festival. The president is Edward Elgar (50), the vice president is Frederick Delius (46). Other members include Granville Bantock (39) and Alexander Mackenzie.
May 24, 1908:
A chorus by Edward Elgar (50), Follow the Colours, to words of Stretton, is performed for the first time, at the Royal Albert Hall, London. It is produced under the title Marching Song . See 10 October 1914.
August 29, 1908:
Edward Elgar (51) resigns as Peyton Professor of Music at the University of Birmingham.
September 9, 1908:
The Wand of Youth Orchestral Suite no.2 by Edward Elgar (51) is performed for the first time, in the Public Hall, Worcester, under the baton of the composer. Also premiered is Hubert Parry’s (60) Beyond these voices there is peace for soprano, bass, chorus, and orchestra to words of the Bible and the composer.
October 17, 1908:
Reveille op.54 for male chorus by Edward Elgar (51) to words of Harte, is performed for the first time, in Blackpool.
December 3, 1908:
Symphony no.1 op.55 of Edward Elgar (51) is performed for the first time, in Free Trade Hall, Manchester. The size of the crowd is kept down by a heavy fog and the performance is less than perfect, but the critics and the public are very appreciative.
December 7, 1908:
As Hans Richter begins to rehearse Edward Elgar’s (51) Symphony no.1 for its London premiere, he introduces the work by saying, “let us now rehearse the greatest symphony of modern times, and not only in this country.”
July 13, 1909:
Elegy op.58 for strings by Edward Elgar (52) is performed for the first time, at the Mansion House, London.
September 9, 1909:
Edward Elgar’s (52) partsong Go, Song of Mine op.57 to words of Cavalcanti (tr. Rossetti), is performed for the first time, in Hereford.
January 15, 1910:
The song The Kings Way, by Edward Elgar (52) to words of his wife, CA Elgar, is performed for the first time, at the Alexandra Palace, London.
January 22, 1910:
Edward Elgar’s (52) choral work They Are At Rest, to words of Newman, is performed for the first time, at the Royal Mausoleum on the ninth anniversary of the death of Queen Victoria.
January 24, 1910:
Edward Elgar’s (52) Song Cycle op.59 to words of Parker for voice and orchestra is performed for the first time, at Queen’s Hall, London. The performance is so successful that the audience requires Oh Soft was the Song to be repeated.
July 8, 1910:
Edward Elgar (53), Hubert Parry (62), Charles Villiers Stanford (57), Edward German, and Alexander Mackenzie all conduct their works at a concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra. Elgar and Stanford do not speak to each other.
September 8, 1910:
The Violin Concerto of Edward Elgar (53) is performed for the first time, privately, in Gloucester. See 10 November 1910.
November 10, 1910:
The Violin Concerto of Edward Elgar (53) is performed publicly for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London, conducted by the composer and featuring dedicatee Fritz Kreisler as soloist. The audience affords it “rapturous applause” which lasts for 15 minutes. See 8 September 1910.
December 8, 1910:
Angelus op.56/1 for chorus by Edward Elgar (53) to anonymous words, is performed for the first time, at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
February 16, 1911:
Edward Elgar’s (53) Romance for bassoon and orchestra op.62 is performed for the first time, in Hereford, directed by the composer.
February 17, 1911:
Edward Elgar (53) agrees to replace Hans Richter as principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.
May 9, 1911:
Edward Elgar (53) arrives in Liverpool from New York after a conducting tour of North America.
May 24, 1911:
The Second Symphony of Edward Elgar (53) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London, conducted by the composer. Both the public and critics are confused and lukewarm.
June 8, 1911:
Edward Elgar (54) conducts the first of his concerts with the London Symphony Orchestra. The hall is only one-quarter full and he refuses to be paid.
June 17, 1911:
Edward Elgar (54) is officially notified that he is to receive the Order of Merit.
June 22, 1911:
Several works by British composers are heard for the first time, at the coronation of King George V of Great Britain in Westminster Abbey: the Coronation March op.65 and O Hearken Thou op.64 for chorus and orchestra by Edward Elgar (54), the Gloria from the Festal Communion Service op.128 by Charles Villiers Stanford (58), Te Deum in D for chorus and orchestra by Hubert Parry (63), and a revised version of Parry’s coronation anthem I was glad, first heard at the coronation of Edward VII. See 9 August 1902.
September 14, 1911:
Five Mystical Songs for baritone, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (38), to words of Herbert, is performed for the first time, in Worcester Cathedral, the composer conducting. A back desk violinist has fallen ill and during the performance his place is quietly taken by Fritz Kreisler. The master is to play the Elgar (54) concerto later in the program and wants to play in a new string. He asks his astonished deskmate to “nudge me if there’s anything difficult and I’ll leave it out.” The composer, glancing to the last row while conducting, thinks he is hallucinating.
January 1, 1912:
Edward Elgar (54) and family move into Severn House, their new London home.
March 11, 1912:
Edward Elgar’s (54) imperial masque The Crown of India op.66 to words of Hamilton is performed for the first time, in the London Coliseum, the composer conducting. It is to celebrate the coronation last year of King George V as Emperor of India and the removal of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi.
May 24, 1912:
A memorial concert is given in London to benefit the families of musicians gone down in the Titanic. Edward Elgar (54) conducts his Enigma Variations.
July 16, 1912:
Great is the Lord, for mixed chorus and organ by Edward Elgar (55) to words from the Bible, is performed for the first time, in Westminster Abbey.
September 11, 1912:
Two songs op.60, The Torch and The River by Edward Elgar (55), are performed for the first time in their orchestral setting, along with the premiere of Elgar’s suite from his The Crown of India, in the Shire Hall, Hereford.
December 15, 1912:
Cantique op.3 arranged for small orchestra by the composer, Edward Elgar (55), is performed for the first time, in the Royal Albert Hall, London.
September 11, 1913:
The Promised Land, an oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns (77) to words of Klein, is performed for the first time, in Gloucester Cathedral. While in Gloucester, Saint-Saëns meets Edward Elgar (56) for the first time.
October 1, 1913:
Edward Elgar’s (56) symphonic study Falstaff op.68 is performed for the first time, in Leeds Town Hall, under the baton of the composer.
December 23, 1913:
Edward Elgar (56) signs an agreement with the publisher WW Elkin for two short pieces. For the first time, an Elgar contract includes the clause: “Two-thirds of net royalties received in respect of mechanical instrument reproduction to be paid to the Composer.” It is his first recording contract.
January 21, 1914:
Edward Elgar’s (56) Carissima, for small orchestra, is performed for the first time, in Hayes, Middlesex, at a recording session of the Gramophone Company. It is Elgar’s first encounter with recording. See 15 February 1914.
February 7, 1914:
Camille Saint-Saëns (78), Felipe Pedrell (72), Engelbert Humperdinck (59), Edward Elgar (56), and Claude Debussy(51) are awarded honorary membership in the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome.
February 15, 1914:
Carissima for small orchestra by Edward Elgar (56) is given it’s first public performance, in the Royal Albert Hall, London. See 21 January 1914.
March 3, 1914:
A letter appears The Times of London protesting the decision of the government to grant home rule to Ireland. It is signed by 20 prominent Englishmen, including Edward Elgar (56).
April 30, 1914:
Give Unto the Lord op.74 for chorus, organ, and orchestra by Edward Elgar (56) to words from the Bible, is performed for the first time, in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. It was composed for the Festival of the Sons of the Clergy.
June 28, 1914:
Edward Elgar’s (57) song for voice and orchestra Chariots of the Lord, to words of Brownlie, is performed for the first time, in the Royal Albert Hall, London.
August 15, 1914:
Sospiri op.70 for strings, harps, and organ by Edward Elgar (57) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
August 17, 1914:
Edward Elgar (57) is sworn in as a member of the Hampstead Special Constabulary.
October 10, 1914:
Follow the Colours, in the version for male chorus, by Edwar Elgar (57) to words of Stretton, is performed for the first time, at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Also premiered is Elgar’s song A Soldier’s Song: Roll Call to words of Begbie.
December 7, 1914:
Carillon for reciter and orchestra by Edward Elgar (57) to words of Cammaerts, is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London, conducted by the composer. The work is written in memory of all the bell towers of Flanders destroyed in the current conflict. It is welcomed with great enthusiasm.
July 6, 1915:
Polonia, a symphonic poem composed by Edward Elgar (58) for the benefit of the Polish Relief Fund, is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
December 29, 1915:
Incidental music to Pearn’s play (after Blackwood) The Starlight Express by Edward Elgar (58) is performed for the first time, at the Kingsway Theatre, London. The composer is not present since his wife is recovering from a taxicab accident.
January 29, 1916:
Une voix dans le désert op.77 for reciter and orchestra by Edward Elgar (58) to words of Cammaerts, is performed for the first time, in Shaftesbury Theatre, London conducted by the composer.
May 3, 1916:
The second and third parts of The Spirit of England op.80, for solo voice, chorus, and orchestra by Edward Elgar (58) to words of Binyon, are performed for the first time, in Leeds, the composer conducting. See 4 October 1917.
March 20, 1917:
The Sanguine Fan op.81, a ballet by Edward Elgar (59) to a story by Lowther, is performed for the first time, at the Chelsea Palace Theatre, London.
April 14, 1917:
Le drapeau belge op.79 for reciter and orchestra by Edward Elgar (59), to words of Cammaerts, is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
June 11, 1917:
The Fringes of the Fleet, a stage work for four baritones and orchestra by Edward Elgar (60) to words of Kipling, is performed for the first time, in the London Coliseum, the composer conducting. The orchestra numbers only 25, mostly women and girls, the men having been called up to active service.
October 4, 1917:
The Spirit of England op.80 for solo voice, chorus, and orchestra by Edward Elgar (60) is performed completely for the first time, in Birmingham. See 3 May 1916.
March 15, 1918:
Edward Elgar (60) undergoes a tonsillectomy in London. The operation is a success but recovery will be slow. While hospitalized, Elgar will write down the opening theme of his Cello Concerto.
June 7, 1918:
The String Quartet no.1 by Arnold Bax (34) is performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London. It is dedicated to Edward Elgar (61). Also premiered is Four Preludes for piano by John Ireland (38), played by the composer.
October 14, 1918:
Violin Sonata op.82 and the String Quartet op.83 by Edward Elgar (61) are performed for the first time, privately, in Elgar’s home Severn House, Hampstead, London, the composer at the keyboard. See 21 March 1919 and 21 May 1919.
October 16, 1918:
A funeral in memory of Charles Hubert Hastings Parry takes place in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The building is full, including Edward Elgar (61), Charles Villiers Stanford (66) and representatives of the King, Queen, Prince of Wales, the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, London, Trinity College, Dublin, the Royal Academy of Music, and various musical and academic societies. Lento (in memoriam CHHP) for organ by Frank Bridge (39) is performed for the first time.
January 7, 1919:
The first movement of the Piano Quintet op.84 by Edward Elgar (61) is performed for the first time, at Elgar’s home, Severn House, Hampstead, London, the composer at the keyboard. See 26 April 1919 and 21 May 1919.
March 21, 1919:
The Violin Sonata op.82 by Edward Elgar (61) is given its first public performance, in Aeolian Hall, London. The critics are “cautious and reserved.” See 14 October 1918.
April 26, 1919:
The Piano Quintet op.84 by Edward Elgar (61) is performed completely for the first time, privately at the London home of Leo Schuster. See 7 January 1919 and 21 May 1919.
May 21, 1919:
Two chamber works of Edward Elgar (61), String Quartet op.83 and Piano Quintet op.84, are given their first public performances, at Wigmore Hall, London. See 14 October 1918, 7 January 1919, and 26 April 1919.
October 27, 1919:
Edward Elgar’s (62) Cello Concerto op.85 is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London the composer conducting. The hall is not full, but those attending are enthusiastic about a rather lackluster performance.
March 18, 1920:
Edward Elgar (62) becomes a member of the French Académie des Beaux Arts.
April 7, 1920:
18:10 Alice Elgar, the wife of Edward Elgar (62), dies of cancer in her husband’s arms at their London home. “With her died a part of Elgar’s creativity.”
November 10, 1920:
Edward Elgar (63) conducts the first concert by the City of Birmingham Orchestra. The program is entirely his music.
May 7, 1921:
With Proud Thanksgiving for chorus and orchestra by Edward Elgar (63) to words of Binyon is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall, London.
March 12, 1923:
Incidental music to Binyon’s play King Arthur by Edward Elgar (65) is performed for the first time, at the Old Vic, London conducted by the composer.
April 7, 1923:
Edward Elgar (65) moves from London back to Worcestershire, to Napoleon Grange, just outside Worcester.
July 8, 1923:
The first broadcast of orchestral music by Edward Elgar (66) takes place when the Cockaigne Overture is played over the airwaves of the BBC.
July 22, 1923:
Edward Elgar’s (66) Memoriam Chimes for a Carillon is performed for the first time, on the Loughborough War Memorial Carillon.
November 13, 1923:
Two works for male chorus by Edward Elgar (66) are performed for the first time, in Wigmore Hall, London: The Wanderer, to words of the composer after Wit and Drollery, and Zut! Zut! Zut!, to words of Mardon (pseud. of the composer).
November 15, 1923:
Edward Elgar (66) sails from Liverpool aboard the Hildebrand for a trip up the Amazon River.
March 28, 1924:
One day after the death of Sir Walter Parratt, Master of the King’s Music, Edward Elgar (66) writes to Lord Stamfordham, private secretary to King George V, proposing himself for the job.
April 26, 1924:
Edward Elgar (66) is offered the position of Master of the Musicke by King George V. It is almost entirely a nominal position, calling on him only to advise the King on musical matters. Elgar will accept.
May 5, 1924:
Edward Elgar (66) is officially appointed Master of the King’s Music.
July 21, 1924:
The Pageant of the Empire, a stage work by Edward Elgar (67) to words of Noyes, is performed for the first time, in Wembley Stadium.
November 19, 1925:
Edward Elgar (68) receives the gold medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society.
December 24, 1925:
Edward Elgar (68) undergoes an operation for hemorrhoids, in Worcester.
June 2, 1927:
Edward Elgar conducts a concert with the BBC chorus and orchestra in a national broadcast on the occasion of his seventieth birthday.
September 4, 1927:
Civic Fanfare for orchestra by Edward Elgar (70) is performed for the first time, in Hereford Cathedral conducted by the composer.
January 1, 1928:
The New Years honors list includes a KCVO for Edward Elgar (70).
November 5, 1928:
Incidental music to Matthews’ play Beau Brummel by Edward Elgar (71) is performed for the first time, in the Theatre Royal, Birmingham, conducted by the composer. Little notice is paid to it.
December 10, 1928:
I Sing the Birth, a carol for chorus by Edward Elgar (71) to words of Jonson, is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall, London.
December 9, 1929:
Goodmorrow, a carol for the king’s recovery for chorus by Edward Elgar (72) to words of Gascoigne, is performed for the first time, in a broadcast from Windsor the composer conducting.
September 18, 1930:
Pomp and Circumstance March no.5 by Edward Elgar (73) is performed for the first time, at a HMV recording session in Kingsway Hall, London. See 20 September 1930.
September 20, 1930:
Pomp and Circumstance March no.5 by Edward Elgar (73) is performed publicly for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
September 27, 1930:
Severn Suite op.87 for brass band by Edward Elgar (73) is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace, London. The work is dedicated to George Bernard Shaw who says, “it will secure my immortality when all my plays are dead and damned and forgotten.” The composer is not present owing to an attack of “sciatica.” In fact it is the first signs of the disease which will take his life.
May 23, 1931:
Nursery Suite, for orchestra by Edward Elgar (73) is performed for the first time, in the HMV recording studio, Kingsway Hall, London under the baton of the composer in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of York. The work is dedicated to them and their daughters, the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. See 20 August 1931.
June 3, 1931:
Edward Elgar (74) is created First Baronet of Broadheath.
August 20, 1931:
Nursery Suite for orchestra by Edward Elgar (74) is performed publicly for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London the composer conducting. See 23 May 1931.
November 12, 1931:
Edward Elgar (74) opens the new His Master’s Voice studio in Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood, with a recording of Falstaff.
April 14, 1932:
Severn Suite by Edward Elgar (74), in the version for orchestra, is performed for the first time, in the HMV recording studios, Abbey Road, London. The composer conducts. See 27 September 1930 and 7 September 1932.
June 9, 1932:
So Many True Princesses Who Have Gone, for chorus and military band by Edward Elgar (75) to words of Masefield, is performed for the first time, in Marlborough House, London conducted by the composer. It is to accompany the unveiling of a statue to Queen Alexandra, mother of King George V.
July 14, 1932:
Edward Elgar (75) conducts a recording of his Violin Concerto with the 16-year-old Yehudi Menuhin today and tomorrow.
September 7, 1932:
Severn Suite by Edward Elgar (75), in the version for orchestra, is performed publicly for the first time, in Worcester. See 27 September 1930 and 23 June 1932.
January 16, 1933:
Organ Sonata no.2 op.87a by Edward Elgar (75) is performed for the first time, privately in Worcester Cathedral, for the composer. See 30 March 1933.
March 30, 1933:
Organ Sonata no.2 op.87a by Edward Elgar (75) is performed publicly for the first time, in Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street, London.
May 18, 1933:
The Woodland Stream for unison chorus by Edward Elgar (75) to words of Mackay is performed for the first time, in Worcester.
May 28, 1933:
Edward Elgar (75) flies in an airplane for the first time, from Croydon to Paris.
June 3, 1933:
Edward Elgar (76) is named GCVO, Knight of the Grand Cross of the Victorian Order.
October 8, 1933:
Edward Elgar (76) undergoes exploratory surgery at South Bank Nursing Home. It reveals that cancer has spread throughout his body.
February 8, 1934:
Mina for small orchestra by Edward Elgar (76) is performed for the first time, in the EMI recording studios, London.
February 23, 1934:
Between 07:30 and 08:00 Edward William Elgar dies of cancer in his sleep at his home, The Red House (now Marl Bank), Rainbow Hill, Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom, aged 76 years, eight months, and 21 days.
February 26, 1934:
After a Low Requiem Mass in St. George’s Church, Worcester where he used to play the organ, the earthly remains of Edward William Elgar are laid to rest beside those of his wife at St. Wulstan’s Church, Little Malvern.
June 10, 1934:
04:00 Frederick Delius dies of syphilis at his home at 95 rue Wilson in Grez-sur-Loing, near Fontainebleau, Republic of France, aged 72 years, four months, and 13 days. In less than four months, Great Britain has lost three of its most important composers: Edward Elgar (23 February), Gustav Holst (25 May) and Frederick Delius (10 June).
January 26, 1935:
On the nomination of Paul Dukas (69), Manuel de Falla (58) is elected a member of the French Institute’s Académie des Beaux-Arts. He fills the place formerly held by Edward Elgar (†0).
September 3, 1935:
A window in honor of Edward Elgar (†1) is dedicated in the back of the nave at Worcester Cathedral.
June 11, 1967:
Soliloquy for oboe and orchestra by Edward Elgar (†33) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of BBC television, approximately 36 years after it was composed.
May 15, 1986:
The Spanish Lady, an opera by Edward Elgar (†52) to words of Jackson and the composer after Jonson, is performed for the first time, in a concert setting, in St. John’s Smith Square, London approximately 53 years after it was composed. See 24 November 1994.
November 24, 1994:
The Spanish Lady, an opera by Edward Elgar (†60) to words of Jackson and the composer after Jonson, is performed for the first time, in West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge 61 years after it was composed. See 15 May 1986.
February 15, 1998:
Sketches for a symphony by Edward Elgar (†63) and elaborated by Payne are performed for the first time as Elgar’s Symphony no.3 in Royal Festival Hall, London, 65 years after they were made by the composer.