THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

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

[6 May 1937]

Dear Maud
This is very distressing – I did read the minutes – but I suppose not carefully – for I did not notice anything beyond the usual wrangles.¹
What my position is I don’t quite know – I adumbrated retiring to Douglas² some time ago – & I certainly do not want to remain on a truncated B.A.C.³ – but I do not want it to appear that there has been collusion between us. The one thing I sh^d like to remain on w^d be the Journal subcommittee where I think I c^d be useful (will you remain on this?)

I’ve been through the Sharp accomps and marked them⁴
Yes (which means yes
No (which means that either I don’t like the tune or the accomp)
Re which means that the accomp needs revision
I’ve had a shot at one or 2 myself. Shall I send what I have done or wait till I’ve done a few more
I’m sorry you didn’t like the production of H. the D.⁵ – I thought it 1^st rate far the best there has been
Yrs
RVW

1. This letter was written in response to a letter of 4 May 1937, where Karpeles informed VW that she had resigned from the Executive Committee of the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
2. Douglas Kennedy, Director of the Society.
3. Board of Artistic Control of the Society.
4. Perhaps for the folksongs to be included in the Novello school series.
5. Hugh the Drover, VW’s opera.