Page:The history of Mendelssohn's oratorio 'Elijah'.djvu/151

 THE REVISED ORATORIO.

��Society) on April 20, and at Birminj]jham, April 27 — a total of six performances, conducted by the com- poser, within a fortnight. At Birmingham, where Mendelssohn not only refused to take any fee, but also declined to accept his travelling expenses — thus he generously showed his appreciation of Stimpson's invaluable services at the initial performance in 1846. '* Elijah " was published in Germany by Simrock, Bonn; and in England by Messrs. Ewer & Co., who for some years previously had been Mendelssohn's sole publishers in this country. The then proprietor of the firm of Ewer & Co. was Mr. Edward Buxton, wlwse real business was that of a wool-broker, and who " had only taken to music publishing for his attach- ment to the art." The relations between the com- poser and his English publisher were of the most cordial nature. " Whatever you write, Dr. Mendels- sohn," said Mr. Buxton, " I will publish, and pay you any terms you like to ask." Here was an ideal publisher, from a composer's point of view. Mr. Buxton had no reason to regret his words ; and that Mendelssohn fully appreciated his publisher's gene- rous offer, is abundantly shown in the "terms" he mentioned for the English copyrights of his composi- tions.*
 * ' Elijah" was given for Mr. Stimpson's " benefit,"

for the English copyrights of some of his works. The informa- tion is derived from original letters from the composer to Buxton. The D minor Trio, lo guineas. Books 4 and 5 of the " Lieder ohne Worte,'' 15 guineas each; Book 6, 24 guineas. "17 Variations Serieuses," 8 guineas. "Festgesang" (which includes the familiar tune now associated with "Hark! the herald angels sing"), ( 129 )
 * It may be of interest to give the " terms" quoted by Mendelssohn

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