Elaine

The Lady of Shalott, painted by John Atkinson Grimshaw c. 1875. Photograph: Artepics/Alamy

Elaine, Poem for Orchestra was completed by Susan in December 1926, according to the manuscript. It depicts the legend of Elaine of Astolat, the Lady of Shalott, as described by the poet Alfred Tennyson.

The manuscript for Elaine includes a quotation from a different Tennyson poem, In Memoriam A.H.H.: “But in my spirit will I dwell, And dream my dream, and hold it true”.

Elaine was performed, with Susan conducting, at a Promenade Concert on Thursday 23rd August 1927 at 8 pm. This performance was broadcast by the BBC. It appears that this was the first Proms broadcast with a woman conductor.

Susan subsequently conducted a performance of Elaine by the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra on 15 March 1928 at 3 pm, which was also broadcast.

Broadcasting Programmes - Manchester and Bournemouth Symphony Concerts. The Hallé and Bournemouth Municipal Orchestras provide two symphony concerts which are to be broadcast from Daventry Experimental today… Sir Dan Godfrey and Susan Spain-Dunk conducting the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra in a symphony concert… first performance at these concerts of tone poem “Elaine” (Spain-Dunk), conducted by the composer.

— Daily Mirror, 15 March 1928

Elaine has been transcribed and edited by Peter Cigleris and the parts are available for performances or recordings as required.

Part of cover page of manuscript for Elaine, showing quotation from Tennyson's In Memoriam A.H.H.