| Description | A lengthy letter, written from the Langham Hotel, addressed 'My dear Littleton' and dated 5 September.
He writes that Sir Henry Wood called on him and asked the question regarding 'the Suite & Symphony'. Wood has asked him to conduct both but he demurred on the grounds that 'the Suite is not important enough for a serious symphony concert' and advises him to contact Novellos for arrangements for concerts. He says Wood wanted the first performance of the Symphony to be 'under my conductorship at the Qu[ee]n's Hall'.
He is on his way to Worcester and will hope to write further tomorrow.
He expresses concern that these numerous engagements might become too much of a burden and although he is delighted if the firm will continue with the work, asks if Littleton would prefer him to employ an agent: 'I feel my business must begin to be a nuisance'. He has seen some proofs of the Symphony and writes that it looks fine in print.
The suite to which this letter makes reference may be 'Wand of Youth' as Suite No. 1 had its first performance at the end of 1907 conducted by Sir Hnrry Wood at the Queen's Hall and Suite No. 2 was first conducted by Elgar in Worcester on 9 September 1908, four days after this letter. (Source: Information in Booksellers catalogue) |