THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
The White Gates,
Dorking,
Surrey.

[13th February 1953]

Dear Gerald

I think Jerusalem should certainly remain unison – I fear that I once (sub rosa) made a Mil: Band (not brass band) arrangement of Jerusalem for the “Englands pleasant land” pageant¹ – it sounded fine!
The thing that ought to be banned is Elgars appalling orchestration (worse if possible than his Nat. Anth.).
I was thinking of writing to you when your letter came – Is not John Sumsion going to get a knighthood? He has had 25 years at Gloucester & all the other 3 Choir organists have been done – or has he perhaps been offered one & refused it? Do you know?
My love to Joyce
Yrs

RVW

1. Catalogue of Works 1938/1.