THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

College Inn
Bryn Mawr
Penna

Nov 15 [1932]

Darling Grace
I’ve been thinking about you a lot today – I don’t know why, which seems to indicate that I sh^d  write you a letter.  – I hope you won’t be able to answer it here as, thank God, I shall be home before your reply can come – But I do want to know a lot – how you are & how the … concerts are & whether your trumpet piece is finished¹ & how Dorothy Gow & Betty’s² things went..
I’m having quite a good time here – but shall be very glad to be back. I haven’t fallen in love with any of the girls here – there are one or two attractive ones – but on the whole not – & the fashion is to dress dowdily
I’ve heard all the 3 big orchestras now (Boston, N.Y. & Philadelphia³) – they must guard against losing vitality though over refinement – I give the palm[?] to the Phila: on the whole – their pp Brass ensemble & their woodwind chords are marvellous.
I heard a v. interesting symphony by a young Dutchman called Wagenaar⁴ also a superb performance of Sibelius No 4. He is becoming the fashion here as in England. Now I’ve got to get ready for my last lecture but one – Thank God
Love from Uncle Ralph

1. Movement (Concerto-Fantasia) for trumpet and chamber orchestra (1932)
2. Elizabeth Maconchy
3. Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and Philadelphia Orchestra
4. Bernard Wagenaar