THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates
Dorking

July 4 [1946]

Dear Atkins
                                    Quoniam¹
I keep the score as it is but double everything (except a few low (including horns except for a few very low notes by strings – I divide cello 1/2 play 2nd bassoon & 1/2 play continuo with the basses – The 1^st bassoon part is sometimes too low for viola & a little faking is necessary.
Of course I did it in chorus – but I think the same arrangement w^d do for the solo with suitable modifecations² of dynamics. I added a 2^nd horn part to help out with some of the very low passages also filled in continuo on pfte
Yrs with kind regards
R Vaughan Williams

1. According to a note in another hand on a transcription with the letter (Add. MS 69449, f.25) Atkins had sought VW’s advice on performance of Bach’s Mass in B minor.
2. sic.