THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

R. Vaughan Williams,
The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

Nov 5 [1938]

Dear Mr Busch
Thankyou very much for your letter – I meant to have written to you – but had not your address.
I enjoyed hearing your work very much – it seemed masterly & I hope we shall soon hear it with orchestra.¹
May I make one or 2 suggestions – I should like in No. 1 – the opening  repetition at the opening – just before the coda to be longer and more complete – & to balance this the part just before might be shortened & I felt the variations were a little on the long side – but I know it is absurd to criticise after only 2 hearings
Don’t expect any more “F minor Symphonys” from me² – I think it is what the botanists call a “shoot” & I do not want to repeat it – Besides I am already past retiring age
Yrs sincerely
R Vaughan Williams

1. VW had been to a private performance of Busch’s Piano Concerto, performed by Busch and Howard Ferguson, on October 27. He had stayed for two performances of the work, accompanied by other guests including Finzi, Bliss, Rubbra, Alan Bush, Maconchy and others.
2. VW’s Symphony no.4 in F minor.