THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

[7 June 1943]

Dearest Betty

– I thought the 4^tet was fine
– I  confess I got no idea of it looking at the score
– Yours is nearly the only “wrong note” music I see any point in (Burkhardt is another¹)
– it does not sound yours does not sound dreary like most of it. 
I think your notation in the 1^st & last movements is all wrong –  I think it sh^d be quavers & crotchets (or even semiquavers & quavers)²
much love

Uncle Ralph

P.S.  I will send the score as soon as I can find an envelope big enough.

1.  For VW’s championing of the music of Willy Burkhard, see VWL1330.
2.  The letter is about Maconchy’s String Quartet No.4 and was written around 7 June 1943; it is referred to in a letter from Maconchy to Grace Williams of 6 July 1943.