THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

8, The Lane,
Marlborough Place, N.W.8.

Sept 13th 1954

Dear Ursula

I must write and thank you both for giving us the chance to hear the new violin work.  It is wonderful music, and I shall never forget the occasion.¹  Bon voyage and don’t let the Americans become too enthusiastic – though I hope Ralph will find time in California to visit the Berkeley branch of the University of California – I remember taking my huge class in 1939 bar by bar through Ralph’s IV Symphony.²
With every good wish to you both
Yours ever

Arthur

1. Sonata in A minor for violin and piano, Catalogue of Works 1954/4. This was a private performance by the dedicatee, Frederick Grinke accompanied by Michael Mullinar, who later broadcast the work on VW’s birthday, 12th October, while the VWs were in America . See R.V.W.: a biography, p.347, where this letter is printed.
2. The VWs did not in the end visit Berkeley.