THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

13 Cheyne Walk

[?October 1906]

Dear Mrs Hadley

I have written to Mr Gritton¹.
I am just going to write to engage ‘cello & D. Bass – before doing so I want to know – can they be fed on Saturday somewhere – also can something fetch them & their instruments too² & from the station?
I ask this because if they have to do this themselves I shall have to offer a higher fee.
Thank you very much for the programme – I was rather horrified to see the appalling name of the institution which heads the announcement! – they might at least translate their latin motto correctly
Could the enclosed note on the music be printed on the programmes or on a slip?
Yrs very truly

R. Vaughan Williams

[Enclosure:]

The music of “Pilgrims Progress” is derived from the following sources

(1) Prelude & final chorus are founded on the Psalm tune “York” (1635)

(2) The opening dance is taken from two English traditional tunes – “Sellengers Round” & “The Lost Lady” (the latter by kind permission of Miss L. E. Broadwood)

(3) The flower girls song is a folk-song and is to be found in “English Country Songs” (Leadenhall Press)

(3)³  The entry of Christian is founded on a melody by Tallis (1515-85)

(4) The tune sung to “Who would true valour see” at the arming of Xtian is founded on a traditional English melody, as given in the “English Hymnal” (by permission)

(5) The men’s 4tet in “Vanity Fair” is a 17th century melody and the wandering musician’s song is a Sussex Folk-song

(6) The music at the death of Faithful is adapted from an anthem by Farrant (1530-95)⁴

(7) The shepherds song is a Northumbrian Folk-song

1. Eric Gritton, pianist who later played regularly at Dorking for VW.
2. sic
3. sic
4. The anthem Lord for thy tender mercy’s sake.