THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates
Dorking

Feb 22 [1946?]

Dear Bates

I fear I have shot my bolt too soon as regards hymn tunes – so please apologise to your sister & explain
– As regards a Bach Cantata – What  type of Cantata do you want

Big & Rumbustious
O light everlasting
Praise our God

or Instructive?
God’s time is the best
Bide with us

or straightforward
Hold in remembrance
The sages of Sheba¹

I am so glad to hear of your activities
Yrs
R Vaughan Williams

1. The six Bach cantatas listed as, respectively, BWV34, BWV11, BWV106, BWV6, BWV67 and BWV65.