THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
10, Hanover Terrace,
Regents Park,
London, N.W.1.

February 9th [1958]

Dearest Michael & Eslyn,

Your Peter Arno is great fun, & cheered us up like anything, which was needed – not because we are repenting at leisure, but because it was the only day we could go to the Carmelites – a bad opera if ever there was, long monologues in bad English & thin music, no ensembles at all, no characterisation, no tunes worth having, & a very amateurish production – À bas!
Ralph is so pleased you like the Planets¹ – I do think Holst is terrific.  I love the Hymn of Jesus² & Egdon³, & Savitri⁴, & of course Planets⁵, & Assemble all ye Maidens⁶  is ravishing – he’s far too neglected & I dont understand why. 
It seems the New Opera Co. are reviving Sir John⁷ – if dates fit you must take it in on your way back from Cheltenham.  They did a lovely Sea Symphony⁸ at Croydon last night & Paddys Fen & Flood.⁹
We’re getting up steam for St John¹⁰ – & otherwise all is well, gay & busy.
Thank you for remembering us, & the book. & lots & lots of love from us both to you both.
U.

1.  H125.
2.  H140.
3.  Egdon Heath, H172
4.  H96.
5.  H125.
6.  H162.
7.  Sir John in Love (CW 1928/3).
8.  CW 1909/3.
9.  CW 1956/6. VW had arranged Patrick Hadley’s cantata Fen and Flood for mixed chorus.  On the concert itself, see RVW, p. 388.
10.  Preparation for the performance at Dorking of the St John Passion on 15 February.