THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

[1930s?]

My dear Fiona
At last I’ve found time to look at your sonata which I like very much – the first movement hangs together very well. I’m not sure about some of the “Academic” (in my sense of the word) chords (perhaps Royal Academic wld be more to the point – but that is merely a matter of personal prejudice (we all like our own pet chords more than other peoples. I think on the whole I am more tired of the “Collegian” chords than the “Academic” ones – because I see more of them).¹
I should like rather a less abrupt ending to the scherzo and I think the end of the last movement ought to gather up more into a climax – But I believe it will all sound very well.
Shall we see you in England this summer?²

1. A reference to the teaching styles at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music in London.
2. McCleary was living in the USA.