THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

10, Hanover Terrace, N.W.1.

December 18th 1955.

Dear Roy
Herewith the score with your notes and my comments on them.¹
As regards the gongs, I have adopted a truly British compromise – I have written a new gong part on three notes, D.E.A., upwards, they should be marked ad. lib but a note should be added to the effect that though they are not absolutely essential their inclusion is VERY DISIRABLE.²
I do hope the letter and the music will reach you in time.
 Good luck to your Christmas wings.
 Yrs
     RVW

NB. The new part  for gongs is to be in addition to the bells – not a substitutuion.³ In one place I have altered the bell part as you will notice.
A HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU.

1. For Symphony no. 8
2. sic.
3. sic.