THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Dorking.

Aug 24 [1946]

Dear Harriet

I am sorry you feel cross about the concerto – But, you know, you had it all to yourself, I think, for a year – most people for whom I have written things are content willing with a first performance – & then are willing to have it thrown open.¹  Since that time many other pianists have played it (including Cyril Smith himself) – & you know you c^d not have played it by yourself on 2 pftes (one hand on each?) any more than if I had arranged it for organ or ukelele.
At the time of the first performance many people urged me to rearrange it for 2 pftes – they thought it to[o] large heavy going for one – But I held on so as to give the 1 pfte a good send off before I did anything.
Have a good time in U.S.A. and bring back plenty of dollars – I am so glad about the recording of the Gibbons – I shall probably rearrange that for 4 bass tubas & a banjo.
Love from

RVW

1.  On the question of Harriet Cohen’s exclusive use of the concerto, see VWL1262.