The Secret Book

Biographer Kate Kennedy unearths five forgotten objects from the Museum of Music History that provide a key to recreating the lives of their owners and sounds of their past. In this episode, a secret love message from a celebrated cellist to a royal princess.

Beatrice Harrison was one of the greatest cellists of the early 20th century and known for her famous duet with a Nightingale. But as well as a celebrated and highly accomplished cellist, she was also a devoted close friend of Princess Victoria, the unmarried sister of George V. But a small book wrought in silver tells another story. Beatrice was Victoria's significant other, and their friendship sustained them both through a punishing schedule of constant international touring, and an unfulfilled life devoted to a querulous queen. The book speaks of the intensity of their relationship. Wrought in silver with crystals, a ruby clasp and an engraved cello and nightingale on the front, it is bound with Beatrice's A string on which she recorded the Elgar Cello Concerto. Inside the book is the concerto’s slow movement, a bar per page with Elgar's signature at the back.

We hear from the royal advisor on silver and jewels, Geoffrey Munn, on what such a gift might mean, and how much, or how little, to read into it. At the very least, it symbolises the bond between two extraordinary women and the support they gained from each other.

Presented by Dr Kate Kennedy
Produced by Adrian Washbourne
Mixed by Julian Mayers
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
A YadaYada Production for BBC Radio 3