ELGAR, Sir Edward (1857-1934). Composer.
Autograph Letter Signed to [Henry] Clayton, Company Secretary for Novello's and Elgar's Concert Agent, 2 pages 8vo, Hereford, 13 August 1909. Explaining that he had delayed answering Clayton's letters until he had seen [Henry] Embleton, that as Clayton had received the telegram of G[eorge] H J[ohnstone], only Tas was outstanding.
Henry Embleton was the Secretary of the Leeds Choral Union, a wealthy businessman who almost bankrupted himself in Elgar's cause, promoting choral concerts of Elgar's major works. Johnstone was Chairman of the Birmingham Festival and had almost single-handedly brought about the premier of The Dream of Gerontius. P Tas was the Musical Director of the Duke of Devonshire's Private Orchestra at Eastbourne.
 Pinned to the back page of the letter is Tas's visiting card together with a series of notes (possibly in Clayton's hand) concerning rehearsals, appointments and payments.
 Apparently unpublished, not in J N Moore Elgar and His Publishers.
[No: 5027]