1945
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 March 2023
Summary
Dearest Dave,
Quite all right about ‘Grimes’ [Britten] on Wednesday next. I'll probably be going again, and the next performance would suit Myra just as well. I enclose ticket, as it will perhaps be easiest to meet in our seats. It appears to begin at 6.45. I don't think there's a hope of getting food up there afterwards, so will you get something beforehand? Can you stay here that night? Ever, H.
Dearest Dave,
Here are a couple of yesterday's programmes. Robby [Robert Irwin's performance of ‘Earth & Air & Rain’ with Gerald Moore] sang very well, I thought, though he said he was frightfully nervous; however, it didn't show. People enjoyed it very much and made him sing ‘O Mistress Mine’ at the end - Gerald being a slightly ponderous guitar in the background! They made a complete break after ‘Rollicum-Rorum', and came off the platform, which I think is an excellent idea. I also like ‘Song of the Yew Tree’ - but why not ‘In a Churchyard', as you have it, instead of ‘The Churchyard'?
I wish I could have played for him, but it wouldn't have been possible to fit in proper rehearsals at this particular moment, with Johnny [John Amis, then Secretary of the Concerts] away on holiday. I go off to Broadway on Friday for 10 days, thank goodness. How wise you are to stay at home for a while. Love to you all, from H.
Dearest Dave,
Thank you so much for the elegant copy of the ‘Bagatelles’ (yours, not mine!); I'm so glad they're out. As a melancholy reminder that all flesh is as the grass, we are but human, and whatnot, here are three misprints that you might note for the 2nd edition. Why do you suppose we miss these little things in proof? It's quite unaccountable, isn't it?
I'm horrified to realize that the Quatorze Juillet came and went during my ten days holiday without due celebration. As I'm little better than half-wit at the moment, I hope you'll overlook the slip. Can you, also, suggest some music or a book (preferably not the complete works of Hardy!) that might be welcome, and is not yet on the Ashmansworth shelves.
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- Letters of Gerald Finzi and Howard Ferguson , pp. 240 - 242Publisher: Boydell & BrewerPrint publication year: 2001