THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

13 Cheyne Walk
SW3

[about 1928]

Dear Grace
I thought your Psalms¹ were beautiful on Friday. I admit that your fear of a conventional climax leads to a slight want of point about them which is perhaps a hitch.
I thought the orchestra played fairly well but poor Carys Davis² was so nervous you c^d not tell what note she was on. So I don’t know what a stranger w^d make of them – I saw you looking terribly nervous – I’ve been through it myself – one had to go through it if one is a composer & cultivate a tough skin. Mean while have a good holiday & enjoy yourself & think of nothing but parties & pretty clothes for a bit – you’ve been working v. hard.
W^d you like to go to enclosed – I send the tickets in case
Your affectionate teacher
Ralph Vaughan Williams

1. Two Psalms for contralto, harp and strings (1927)
2. The mezzo-soprano Carys Davies