1902

Summary

1902 saw the premiere of Bantock's The Witch of Atlas at the Worcester Festival on 10 September and the publication of his Russian Scenes for orchestra. Bantock was also introduced to Richard Strauss at the London Strauss Festival. The letters highlight his early attempts to get Newman appointed on the staff of the Birmingham and Midland Institute; Joseph Holbrooke was appointed in September. Newman completed his series of articles on British Music in The Speaker, and published an essay on Herbert Spencer in the Monthly Musical Record. Wallace's song cycle Lords of the Sea was premiered in Bournemouth, and he published a song setting of a text adapted from Gawain Douglas, ‘O Hie Honour’.

133 GRANVILLE BANTOCK TO ERNEST NEWMAN

BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND INSTITUTE.

SCHOOL OF MUSIC.

PARADISE STREET,

BIRMINGHAM,

STRATHFIELD

Jan 2^nd 1902

My dear Will

Many thanks for your prompt kindness in allowing Halford to use your Elgar notes. I have sent them on to him, & it will relieve his mind, as Elgar is in Germany, & Booseys say they have not a copy of the scores.

One more favour. Will you let Kate bring with her next Monday the engraved proofs of the “Russian Scenes” Suite. Godfrey wants it for Bournemouth,2 & I cannot get a word from the wretched printers as to when the score will be published. This is only a hurried scrawl. More news later.

Yours always

Gran

I am trying to write a Romantic Poem for Cello & Orchestra, & to score Fifine at the same time.

134 GRANVILLE BANTOCK TO ERNEST NEWMAN

BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND INSTITUTE.

SCHOOL OF MUSIC.

PARADISE STREET,

BIRMINGHAM,

STRATHFIELD

Jan 4^th 1902

Dear good soul

I am at a loss to know how to thank you for your generous article in today's “Speaker”. You are the first man who has openly championed any of my work, and I value your criticism the more for pointing out my failings. For this I do heartily thank you, but am beggared at the idea of attempting to thank you for your favourable judgements. Frankly, it's beyond me. You have done more for me than I can ever do for you, hence my helplessness.