HE MAY be England’s most famous composer, but what was Elgar really like? Was he just a stereotypical patriotic character who wrote ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and ‘Nimrod’, or something much more than that?
Elgar’s story is one you might not expect, and music lovers can discover so much more about his fascinating character at a live event at The Firs in Lower Broadheath on May 28.
It features live musical performances by the Veracini Ensemble, narration by Elgar expert Richard Westwood-Brookes and readings of Elgar’s own words by an actor playing the part of Edward Elgar to accompany the story.
Visitors will hear about Elgar’s desperate struggles to succeed while always believing he was judged second rate through being self-taught and from a humble background; his heartbreak at lost love; the ‘demons’ which relentlessly tortured his mind and the vicious attacks he suffered from the academic establishment.
The remarkable woman whose lifelong devotion and sacrifice finally made him the great composer he became and the tragedy of her death leaving him so stunned that he never again completed a great work, will also be explored.
The music played by the Veracini Ensemble will give visitors an insight into how all these events influenced Elgar’s compositions.
It’s an emotional story and with only 66 seats per performance, the intimacy of the event creates an opportunity to experience the music and musicians close up, in the place where Elgar was born.
He never forgot The Firs and before his death in 1934, he confided to his daughter Carice his desire to be remembered there.
In 1935, Carice with the help of Alderman Hubert Leicester, persuaded the corporation of Worcester to purchase the cottage.
Now run by the National Trust, it is in the room named after Elgar’s daughter, The Carice Room, where the event will be held.
Ellen Cooper, National Trust site manager at The Firs, said: “It’s really special whenever Elgar’s music is played live at The Firs, his birthplace and the place he wanted to be remembered.
“With only 66 seats per performance, being up close to the musicians and experiencing the nuances of the compositions as well as hearing Elgar expert Richard Westwood-Brookes volunteering his time, knowledge and expertise creates an event we don’t want to miss.”
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/the-firs or call 0344 249 1895 for more.
The Firs is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11am until 5pm, from March until October and again for three weekends in December.
