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Collection Description
Collection name
Elgar Birthplace Museum (1840-)
Unique identifier
Description
A collection of c.1700 programmes for concerts given since 1840, held by the Elgar Birthplace Museum.
Many of the early programmes chart the involvement of the Elgar family - including Edward's father and uncle - in music making, as well as Edward Elgar's own first steps as a performer and composer, including his involvement with the Worcester Instrumental Society and the City and County Asylum.
The collection includes an important file of Worcester Glee Club programmes from the 1870s. These throw light on this popular but under researched area of Victorian musical life.
Later programmes reflect the growing popularity of Elgar's music and his increasing compositional mastery. They celebrate the premieres of his major works - including the 'Enigma' Variations, The Dream of Gerontius and the Symphony No. 2 - and important subsequent performances, including many overseas. There are also programmes for concerts of works other than those written by Elgar.
The collection is an open one and the holding institution makes a conscious attempt to add relevant contemporary and historical programmes.
Date range
1840 -
Associated People and Organisations
Worcester Instrumental Society -
Worcester Glee Club -
Elgar, Edward -
Elgar family -
City and County Asylum (Worcester) -
Associated Places
England
Associated Times
19th century - early Victorian 1837-1850
19th century - late Victorian 1876-1899
19th century - mid Victorian 1851-1875
20th century - early 1900-1930
20th century - late 1971-1999
20th century - mid 1931-1970
21st century
Associated Content
First performances
Star Item(s)
Strength(s)
Further details
Viewing the Collection
Visiting information
Location details
Elgar Birthplace Museum
Lower Broadheath
Worcester
WR2 6RH United Kingdom Open Map
DOMUS
Website
http://www.elgar.org
Email
Telephone
Fax
Building Information
Collections Overview
The bulk of the collections consist of items that belonged to or were collected by Elgar and his wife, offering a unique insight into his interests and influences. The variety and richness of this resource is partly due to the fact that his family were natural collectors. The collection is also unique because it reflects both Elgar the man and Elgar the musician. The collections amount to over 15,000 items.The material that we hold at the museum is predominantly archival. It includes an important collection of manuscripts, which provide a rich resource for researchers. There is also a collection of concert programmes, diaries that both Elgar and his wife kept, official and private photographs and other personal papers. There is also a Library Reference collection which includes books, periodicals and sound recordings. We have furniture and objects owned by or relating to Elgar, most of which is on display. There is also of course the cottage itself, the backbone of the collection and its fitting repository.
Display Overview
Star Objects
For details of other collections held at the same location: See the location record
Additional Collection Information
Accrual Status
open
Legal Status
Custodial History
Related Publications
Management Information (Type)
Collection Owner(s)
Collection Creator(s)
Collection Custodians(s)
