Letter from Ralph Vaughan Williams to Sir Ivor Atkins

Letter No. VWL996

Letter from Ralph Vaughan Williams to Sir Ivor Atkins

Letter No.: VWL996

The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

February 11 [1932]

Dear Atkins

I am sending you herewith the 2 Psalms by the young composer Britten aged 18 about which I spoke to you.¹
I have only now persuaded him to make a second copy so I fear it is now rather late – but whether you include it or not I should be much obliged if you will look at it and give me your opinion.
I have only told Britten that I wanted a copy to show to someone.

P.S I shall be sending my Magnificat for your perusal in a few days.²

1. The Britten works were settings of Psalms 130 and 150 for chorus and orchestra written while Britten was at the Royal College of Music.
2. VW sent Atkins the Magnificat on 16 February, and it was first performed at the Three Choirs Festival on 8 September.

To:

Atkins, Ivor, 1869-1953
From:

Vaughan Williams, Ralph, 1872-1958
Scribe:

Vaughan Williams, Adeline, 1870-1951
Names:

Britten, Benjamin, 1913-1976 Atkins, Ivor, 1869-1953
Musical Works:

Vaughan Williams, Ralph, 1872-1958. Magnificat Britten, Benjamin, 1913-1976. Psalms, mixed voices, orchestra
Format:

Letter
General Notes:

Date inferred from Britten’s age mentioned in first sentence.
The letter is in the hand of AVW. The letter is unsigned and there may be a missing page.
Location Of Original:

British Library
Shelfmark:

Add.MS 69449, f.9
Citation:

Cobbe 210

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