ELGAR, Edward 1857-1934

[Op. 61]. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra [Score and part]

London: Novello & Co., Ltd. [PN 13292], 1910.

Folio. Original publisher's light green black cloth-backed printed wrappers with titling within decorative borders to upper, publisher's advertisement to verso of lower. Score: 1f., 58 pp. Violin: 1f., 25 pp. With printed dedication to Fritz Kreisler to head of title.

Former owner's name and date to titles of both score and violin part: "Jan Hambourg November 2nd 1910" (just over a week before the work's premiere).

Slightly browned. Overall good condition.

First Edition in this form.

Elgar's concerto premiered in London at Queen's Hall, with Fritz Kreisler as soloist and Elgar conducting, on 10 November 1910.

"Elgar's voice is individual, instantly recognizable. Melody, harmony and sonority are equally striking and combine into a musical character that provokes strong reactions. Coming to maturity at the zenith of British imperialism, he was bound to share that age's vigour, and his music glows with colour and opulence. Reaction against the period's excesses made for reaction against Elgar himself. The first years of the 20th century, the decade of his highest achievement, have acquired some dubious shadows as they recede, but it would be as limiting to deny the element of celebration in Elgar’s music as to overrate that of nostalgia."

Jan Hambourg was a Russian-born violinist from a musical family. "His teachers were Sauret, Wilhelmj, Heermann, Ševčík and Ysaÿe. In 1897 he accompanied his brother Mark on a concert tour of Australia, and in 1905 with Mark and Boris he founded the short-lived Hambourg Trio. He helped to found the Hambourg Conservatory at Toronto in 1911." Frank Dawes and Carl Morey in Grove Music Online.

Item #34132

Price: $120.00  other currencies