THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Thursday [1950]

Belov Boo
I write to Michael¹ thundering Pils Prog² on the piano (now in tune). How he brings it to life.
I wish Bernard were here to sing it for R who starts trying to [and] has to rush for a lozenge! […]
Michael is cheerful about his work – more engagements with Isobel Baillie & Olive Zorian (Sonata concert) & Eric Greene has asked him for a “medley” of folksongs for him & his wife to sing in concerts and Mrs Treland has not been so noisy on the piano
R in anxious to take diet seriously. I agree with you there is very little to be gained by it – still I have got a guinea fowl and a boiling chicken w^h no-one can say is not good for him – as he says “I must eat something”. Dr Clarke says in answer “I know its difficult in these times but eat less” but I don’t mean to let R take this too seriously.
A lovely day now that the frost has gone. If all is well R drives up for rehearsal of “Riders” tomorrow³ – its 4.30 so not too late
Yr A

1. Michael Mullinar, pianist
2. Pilgrim’s Progress
3. Riders to the Sea. This was performed by Sadlers Wells in 1953; before that the performances were by students and amateurs. Possibly this letter should have a later date.