THE original manuscript to one of Elgar's best-loved works has been bought by the museum at his birthplace in Lower Broadheath, near Worcester.
The museum paid £15,000 for the manuscript to Salut d'amour, which will go on public display for the first time in years.
The cost of the manuscript was partly funded by a 50 per cent grant.
Museum director Catherine Sloan said it was well worth the money.
"We're absolutely thrilled to be able to add this manuscript, one of Elgar's best-loved pieces, to our collection," she said.
"It's very rare for original Elgar manuscripts to come on the market."
Salut d'amour was composed in 1888 as a gift to Elgar's future wife.
Still struggling to make his name as a musician, Elgar sold the copyright for two guineas, little knowing how popular it would become and how much money it would make its publishers.
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