THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

College Inn
Bryn Mawr.
Penna

[On or about 21 October 1932]

Dear Gustav,

Why didn’t you tell me that Una¹ is here? – I only found out by accident – she is the Light of my Eyes & the Joy of my Heart & my Guardian Angel & has taught me the technique of shopping & gave me a delicious dinner all cooked by herself.
I had a splendid 2 days with the Davisons² – they were so nice – while in Boston I went (i) to a football match and (ii) Boston Symph. Orch. – both suffer I think from being too much organized.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I like bad orchestral playing just as I like bad wine – it all sounded too easy & smooth. – & lost thrill (e.g. Don Juan opening string passage & the 4 horns – I longed for a bubble from one of the horns).
Tonight I shall hear Phila: orch. and on Monday N.Y. Orch.³
I am fairly happy here and everyone is v. hospitable – I went to a music store in Phila: yesterday and was introduced to the Manager – it was just like a chapter out of Martin Chuzzlewit.
Yrs

 RVW

1. Una Lucas, former head-girl of St Paul’s Girl School.
2. Archibald Davison, American musicologist, at this time Professor of Choral Music at Harvard University; from 1940 to 1954 he was James Edward Ditson Professor of Music there.
3. See VWL1024.