Three autograph letters, including:

~ EDWARD ELGAR (1857-1934), typed letter, signed 'Edward Elgar', 1 page, 8vo, Craeg Lea, Malvern, December 11, 1902, to a Mr. Marson, ;

~ BENJAMIN BRITTEN (British, 1913-1976), Autograph letter, 2 pages, on English Opera Group stationery, Aldeburgh, n.d. [circa 1950], with two folds, to a Ms. Grove, director of a woman's Choral Society, <"Dear Miss Grove, Thank you for your nice letter. Congratulations on your fine success with your Choral Society. / I am pleased that you should want to sing something of mine. A Capella. I have already written several pieces: - 'A Boy was Born' [op. 3] - a considerable & difficult piece, lasting about 20 minutes, with some boys' voices (not difficult). O.U.P. / 'Hymn to St. Cecilia' - a shorter & not so exacting piece, with a short soprano solo (can be taken for the choir) (Boosey's Hawkes). Apart from a part-song on ["¦], Booseys are now bringing out Five Flower songs [op. 47] which I've only recently completed. They'd be suitable for your choir, I should think. In thanks, with best wishes for the choir. Yours sincerely, Benjamin Britten'; and

~ W. S. GILBERT (1836-1911), autograph letter, signed 'W.S. Gilbert', 1 page, 8vo, on blue paper, 52 Pont Street, February 10, 1905, to an unnamed recipient, ; all framed
h. 7 w. 8 in. (Britten)
overall: 12 x 15 in. (largest frame)
Provenance: The estate of J.D. McClatchy (1945-2018), American poet, librettist, literary critic, and former president of The American Academy of Arts and Letters, Stonington, CT