Letter from Ralph Vaughan Williams to Gerald Finzi

Letter No.: 
VWL2648
[13th February 1953]

From R. Vaughan Williams,
The White Gates,
Dorking,
Surrey.

Dear Gerald

I think Jerusalem should certainly remain unison - I fear that I once (sub rosa) made a Mil: Band (not brass band) arrangement of Jerusalem for the “Englands pleasant land” pageant1 - it sounded fine!
The thing that ought to be banned is Elgars appalling orchestration (worse if possible than his Nat. Anth.).
I was thinking of writing to you when your letter came - Is not John Sumsion going to get a knighthood? He has had 25 years at Gloucester & all the other 3 Choir organists have been done - or has he perhaps been offered one & refused it? Do you know?
My love to Joyce
Yrs

RVW

1. Catalogue of Works 1938/1.

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Shelfmark of copy: 
Finzi Box 10
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Date from postmark.

Format: 
Letter
Original database number: 
530213