Letter from Ralph Vaughan Williams to Edmund Rubbra
From R. Vaughan Williams,
10, Hanover Terrace,
Regents Park,
London, N.W.1.
Dear Edmund
It was good of you to give up your time to my work the other day – I value both your appreciation & your criticism1
As regards the point you mention – it is scored for w.w. in 3 8ves playing the “tune” & a holding note bass for 1 horn & cello & bass.
It sounds silly on the pfte – especially as Roy did not repeat the holding bass note so that it did not sustain – but I will reconsider it – perhaps add a counterpoint or contrary motion (you see I have not forgotten my harmony class!
Yrs RVW
1. VW had invited his inner circle of expert friends to a play-through of his Symphony no.9 on November 2 1957. See Douglas, Working with Vaughan Williams, p.91.