“THE ‘CREATIVE FIRE MUSIC’ IS AS STIRRING AS ANY HE IMAGINED”: THE STARLIGHT EXPRESS, FIRST EDITION SCORE SIGNED BY ELGAR

ELGAR, Edward. Pianoforte Suite from the Fantasy the Starlight Express. London: Elkin & Co., (1916). Quarto, original pictorial printed wrappers. $2500.

First edition of the piano score, signed by the composer: “Edward Elgar / July 1918.”

English Romantic composer Edward Elgar, 1857-1934, wrote The Starlight Express as incidental music to Algernon Blackwood’s play A Prisoner in Fairyland. “Elgar’s music put back the poetry partly lost in the stage version… The songs are only part of a long score which is a captivating blend of Edwardian light music and Elgar’s more thoughtful tones. What might be called the ‘creative fire music’ is as stirring as any he imagined” (New Grove 6: 125). Contains To the Children, Dance of the Pleiades, Sunrise Song, In the Forest, and The Blue-Eyed Fairy. Ink stamp to title page.

Most minor wear to original wrappers. A fine copy, Elgar’s signature bold and clear.