THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

“Froom”,
33, Chatsworth Road,
Croydon.

3/5/34

Dear Dr Vaughan Williams

I feel I must write to you to express my feelings about the splendid performance of “The Dream of Gerontius” at The Leith Hill Festival.
I thought it was truly remarkable that a choir, composed as it is of separate units from the various towns, should produce such a marvellous ensemble when massed as they were for the Festival.
The entrance of the Semi-Chorus in the first Kyrie was most moving, – remote, & with such a lovely shade of tone, – the sound stole upon one’s senses from another world.
The intonation was so good, – it was surely an achievement to have kept the pitch so well throughout a long & trying work, especially in all the softer passages & those calling for “mezza voce” & restrained singing.
 I feel too that I must congratulate you personally -, if I may presume so to do, upon getting such a sensitive & well-balanced rendering, & for imbuing it with that spirituality one always felt when Sir Edward himself conducted.
I must say I was completely uplifted from beginning to end & I felt that as long as his works are handled & given in the way that you and your splendid choir gave “The Dream” so sure I am that those works will live.
I have to thank you too for giving me the opportunity to take part in a memorable performance.
Love from

Willie H Reed