GENIUS OF ELGAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21254, 6 August 1932, Page 10 (Supplement)

GENIUS OF ELGAR

FELLOW MUSICIAN'S TRIBUTE Seventy-fifth birthday Sir Edward Elgar celebrated his 75th birthday recently, and congratulations and affectionate wishes were received by him from all over the world. Elgar's genius took some time to percolate through to the man-in-the-street, but it was very obvious to those possessing ordinary musical discernment that a groat man had arisen in our midst when in 1896 " King Olaf " was produced at the. North Staffordshire festival—Sir Landon Ronald wrote in an appreciation. Three years later Richter first performed the now famous " Enigma Variations " and from that date Elgar's fame began to spread. The year following " The Dream of Gerontius " was produced nt Birmingham, and then came in quick succession the other great works such as tlio two Symphonies, " Falstaff," " The Apostles " and many others. The list of honours that have been bestowed on him from every civilised country would easily fill a column, but perhaps the one he values most is the Order of Merit which ha received in 1911. lie is a man who has the reputation of being very shy and retiring. This may bo truo of him as far as strangers are concerned, bub it certainly is not as regards his friends. He has a most affectionate nature and is a delightful companion. He has a decided predilection for the simple life spent in the country with his books, his garden, and above all his beloved dogs! ■ ! A great deal has been made out of his liking for horse-racing, but I can honestly say that I think this subject is generally introduced into the conversation so as to avoid talking music, to which he has a rooted objection, said Sir Landon. Ho has quite an obsossion that nobody wants his music, and it is an open secret that a great,festival of his works would have been given on his 70tli birthday and again to-day, but for his very definite refusal to allow any such celebration to take place. He is one of the greatest musicians in the world, and it is splendid to know that he has been spared to us all these years, unimpaired in health and vigour. The name of Elgar will undoubtedly take its plac® iimong the immortals, Sir Landon i concluded.