THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

Jan 18 [1934]

Dear Mr Herbage
Thank you for your letter.¹
My ‘Four Hymns’  belong properly to Tenor so I should prefer to have Mr Wilson – their original interpreter.
The solo at the end of the ‘Pastoral Symphony’  is marked ‘soprano or tenor’ though it is usually sung by a soprano – But of course I must leave this to you.
As regards the timing of the various pieces I will go through the Hymns and give you an accurate timing.  You probably have a timing of the other items.
With regard to the ‘Norfolk Rhapsody’ there is only one  – Nos 2 & 3 were scrapped long ago.  I suggest that if we include the ‘Running Set’  it should come last to make a cheerful end.
Also would it be a good plan to start with the Norfolk Rhapsody, put the Tallis Fantasia  second & the ‘Four Hymns’ immediately after which being in much the same mood as the Fantasia would make a good pendant to it – But again I must leave this to you as an experienced programme maker.
Yours sincerely
R Vaughan Williams

1. See VWL1181. Herbage was arranging a concert of works by VW, which Boult had invited VW to conduct.