1936
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 March 2023
Summary
Dear Dave,
I thought it easiest to write my suggestions on your sheet in red ink and return it to you complete, so here it is. I hope it is decipherable.
Of all the blasted luck! The only two engagements I have so far this year are on the 5th & 6th of Feb. in Dorset. Isn't it pestilential? There is at least nothing on the 3rd, so I shall be able to hear the rehearsal (if I'm allowed in), which is, I suppose better than nothing. You can, of course, stay at No.8, so far as I know, even though I won't be there from 5th-7th; but I shall be very sorry to miss the concert.
I'm so glad you like the Navarro poems. The modern poet I referred to was he who wrote the following:-
'Hallelujah’ was the only observation
That escaped Lt. Col. Mary Jane,
When she fell from off the platform at the station
And was cut in little pieces by the train.
'Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Mary Jane the train ran through yer;
Let us gather up the fragments that remain.'
That is to say, A.E. Housman; and the particular poem I was reminded of was that which begins: ‘I walked alone and thinking', from ‘Last Poems'. By the way, it has just struck me what a very fine poem is:
'The Wain upon the northern steep
Descends and lifts away.'
You probably know it already, but it had not struck me before.
The Sonata [Violin Sonata No.1] came through very well last night, the last movement being a particular fine performance. I thought Nunky was a bit overgenerous with the pedal on occasions, but the feeling of the whole was grand. How I wish I could re-write that fiddle part now! It is quite idiotically difficult, and could be made so much more effective as well as so much easier. Much love to you and J. I hope Christopher flourishes.
Ever, H.
[Dear Fergie]
If I come up for the Constant Lambert on 29th and Phil. on the 30th would you be able to put me up Wed. and Thurs. nights? Say no if in any way inconvenient. I'm not yet quite certain, but should like to if I can. Many thanks for red-ink emendations, gratefully received. Nothing from old Boosey yet. G.
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- Letters of Gerald Finzi and Howard Ferguson , pp. 114 - 140Publisher: Boydell & BrewerPrint publication year: 2001