THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
10, Hanover Terrace,
Regents Park,
London, N.W.1.

Nov 8 1957

Dear Edmund

It was good of you to give up your time to my work the other day – I value both your appreciation & your criticism¹

As regards the point you mention – it is scored for w.w. in 3 8ves playing the “tune” & a holding note bass for 1 horn & cello & bass.

It sounds silly on the pfte – especially as Roy did not repeat the holding bass note so that it did not sustain – but I will reconsider it – perhaps add a counterpoint or contrary motion (you see I have not forgotten my harmony class!

Yrs RVW

1. VW had invited his inner circle of expert friends to a play-through of his Symphony no.9 on November 2 1957. See Douglas, Working with Vaughan Williams, p.91.