Letter from Ralph Vaughan Williams to Sir Ivor Atkins

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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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.

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Shelfmark of original letter: 
Add. MS 69449, ff.23-24
Format: 
Letter
Letter No.: 
VWL4214
Editor's notes: 
z