THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Dorking.

April 7 [1941]

Dear Foss

On second thoughts I think I must keep one of the French Folk tunes – I think I took in one of a volume which was sent here from Canada – can you help me trace it – I rather think Michigan had something to do with the book – the name of the tune is “Ah qui me pessera”.¹ Do you think I can risk it if I do not call attention to it? – I send the contract back signed.²
Yrs

R. Vaughan Williams

1. Canadian Folk Songs, old and new, selected and translated by J. Murray Gibbon. Harmonizations by G. O’Hara and O. O’Brien, etc. London and  Toronto: J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927. 
2. This letter was written in connection with VW’s commission to write the music for the film 49th Parallel (Catalogue of Works 1940/3). Foss subsequently wrote on VW’s behalf to W Taylor of Dent & Sons on 15th April asking if his firm ‘or Gibbon’ claimed any copyright in the tune.