THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

49, Hallam Street,
Portland Place, W.1.

October 7th 1938

My dear Dr Vaughan Williams

Just a few hurried lines before leaving for Torquay, to tender you my everlasting thanks & gratitude for writing that beautiful Serenade for my Jubilee Concert¹. It made the deepest impression upon the musical & un-musical & fell into the musical scheme most wonderfully. We are so excited to hear this morning from Columbia that they are going to record it & sell it for the Hospital fund, & I do hope you can run in & help me record it – as your advice and assistance will be most valuable. I should like a couple of Russian Basses for the low Ds – they don’t tell I fear.
I got an idea that I should like to put it into a Studio Concert very shortly, with the Wireless singers, do you like the suggestion. I am so glad you came on to the Reception which I think was a decided success. What a charming little book Imogen has written on her father’s life², finished it last night in bed.
Again accept my warmest & deepest thanks for the Serenade, it did raise my Jubilee Concert, out of the ordinary rut & lent real distinction to Part II, have you heard how it came over the air.
Kindest regards
Sincerely yours

Henry J. Wood

1. On 5th October at the Royal Albert Hall.
2. Imogen Holst, Gustav Holst: a biography, Oxford 1938.