Letter from Ralph Vaughan Williams to Sir Ivor Atkins

Letter No.: 
VWL4214
July 4 [1946]

The White Gates
Dorking

Dear Atkins
                                    Quoniam1
I keep the score as it is but double everything (except a few low (including horns except for a few very low notes by strings - I divide cello 1/2 play 2nd bassoon & 1/2 play continuo with the basses - The 1st bassoon part is sometimes too low for viola & a little faking is necessary.
Of course I did it in chorus - but I think the same arrangement wd do for the solo with suitable modifecations2 of dynamics. I added a 2nd horn part to help out with some of the very low passages also filled in continuo on pfte
Yrs with kind regards
R Vaughan Williams

1. According to a note in another hand on a transcription with the letter (Add. MS 69449, f.25) Atkins had sought VW's advice on performance of Bach's Mass in B minor.
2. sic.

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Shelfmark of original letter: 
Add. MS 69449, ff.23-24
General notes: 

Year from postmark. The transcription with the letter is written on the reverse of a printed letter from OUP dated July 1st 1946, concerning an errata slip for VW's Benedicite, which was also to be performed at the Three Choirs Festival in Hereford in 1946.

Format: 
Letter