THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Dorking, Surrey.

19th Septr., 1951.

Dear Cedric

I am sorry about the clashing of the Bach Choir and our Dorking performance.¹ The fault is really mine because I had already made an engagement in Sheffield for the 22nd., which was the original date suggested, but something clashes whatever one does.
I do not know whether you suggest that we should revive Sullivan’s ‘cello Concerto at the Dorking Festival, but I am afraid we have neither time, opportunity nor wish to revive old and doubtful things on such an occasion.²
I heard Bruneau’s Requiem years ago by the Bach Choir and thought it a perfectly dreadful work.³ I hope it will not be revived.
Yrs
RVW

(R. Vaughan Williams).

Cedric Glover, Esq.,
Rotherwood,
Holmbury St. Mary.

1. VW is referring to March 22 1952, when he conducted his Sea Symphony in Sheffield City Hall.
2. VW conducted the St. John Passion on 1 March 1952 (see VWL2282).
3. VW heard Stanford conduct the Bach Choir in Bruneau’s Requiem in Queen’s Hall on Tuesday 25 February 1896. Newspaper reports confirm that VW was by no means alone in disliking the work. The Requiem was published in 1895. Glover was enthusiastic about the composer.