THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams.
The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

Sunday [22 May, 1947]

My Dear Joan
I am so sorry to hear about Martin’s illness.  I so hope the hospital will find him not so bad – would he like a visitor?  Is the nursing home in London?
As regards 3 choirs – it’s no good beating about the bush – the history is this, they asked Martin to write a piece for Hereford (?).  It was done I think in a hurry & was not a success (I didn’t like it myself!) – then I asked (at Martin’s suggestion) Gloucester to consider a chorus out of his choral drama – this was turned down.
I don’t know whether I can ask again – they don’t like seem to like Martin’s tunes at the 3 choirs – which in the case of the motet w^d be very wrong though in this case of the choral work as I have already said I think they were right.  But I think that Worcester ought to be given the chance of doing one of the motets – so will you send me copies (I don’t want to send my own) & I will send them to Atkins with an appreciative note
yrs
R Vaughan Williams