THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Dorking, Surrey.

26th September, 1951.

Dear Grace,
I listened in last night.¹ The reception was not very good and so I cannot say very much about it, except that the voice came out extremely well, and as fas as I can judge, it was beautifully sung. I must hear it again – I really mean this; I do not mean what most people do when they use that expression – that they do not want to hear it again.
As regards the rest of the programme, I did not make much out of Mr. Jones, but the reception was especially bad at the beginning and there were continual interruptions by a woman making remarks in a loud voice.
I fear I did not like the Madrigal singing much. Their tone was not good and they did not seem to understand Madrigals.
I thought some of Arwel Hughes was good, but rather long and rather too portentous for the words.
I fear this is rather a crotchety letter, but put it all down to the bad reception.
Love from Uncle Ralph

(R. Vaughan Williams).

Miss Grace Williams
9, Old Village Road,
Barry, Glam.

1. The BBC broadcast a concert of ‘Music from Wales’, conducted by Arwel Hughes.