THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

[6th June 1934]

Dear Adrian

(1)  I rather dread the idea – but if you think it is right I will do it.¹  Perhaps your ‘talks’ manager w^d let me know the sort of thing which is wanted – whether a description of the actual works to be performed or something more general
(2) As regards the Prom – I think I w^d rather conduct the symphony²
I wonder if you w^d consider instead of the Norfolk Rhapsody³ two new folk-song arrangements
(1) Fantasia on “Greensleeves” (adapted from “Sir John in Love”)⁴
(2) The “Running Set”⁵ – a sort of quodlibet of dance tunes which I did for the EFDS⁶ last January
(each piece about 5 minutes)⁷
Yrs

R Vaughan Williams

P.S.  What is the date of the Prom?

1. VW had been asked to give an introductory talk before the memorial concert for Gustav Holst to be broadcast on 22nd June.
2. A performance of the London Symphony on 27th September – see R.V.W.: a biography,  p.202.
3. Catalogue of Works 1906/2.
4. Catalogue of Works 1934/1.
5. Catalogue of Works 1933/3.
6. English Folk Dance Society.
7. Boult agreed to these pieces being included.