THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

till Oct 12th
Osborne Hotel
Langland Bay
Mumbles
Nr. Swansea

Oct 5/57.

My dear Ralph

I feel I must write and tell you what an incredibly moving experience it has been to play your Tallis Fantasia in the Cathedrals of Winchester, Exeter & Truro. – (these last few days)  I don’t want to sound fulsome (for how you wld hate it) but your genius never seems to flower so exquisitely as it does in such surroundings.  The orchestra join me in humble & grateful thanks.  I have been re-studying the “London” for your birthday concert, & what a lovely work it is.  As a genuine “Cockney” I am in a position to know!!
Tried the “Flourish” through the other day and it sounds grand.
My love and blessings to you both, and I am happy to gather you are now fully recovered.¹
Ever

John

1. VW had had a major operation for a cancerous prostate in the Middlesex in August, but he was active again by the end of September.