Dearest Dave,

I don't know what to say about the opening of the Clarinet Concerto (G.F.'s). The only time I heard it in the flesh - at Oxford - the opening in particular struck me as being tremendously exciting and impressive. It would therefore never have occurred to me that anything wanted doing to it. The cellos and basses might certainly make it more exciting; but I don't really feel I know enough of string orchestral writing to say this with any certainty. Why not try them at the next performance and see whether it sounds more to your liking that way?

Finished another movement (the third) of the Piano Concerto the other day. Up to St Andrews next week for a long weekend with Ceddy & Bruno, and a talk to the Music Club on ‘Bach's Lute Music and the Keyboard'. Then home to try to get on with the first movement [written last], about which I've had no further ideas.

Much love to all of you, and every possible good wish for 1951. Ever, Howard.

Dearest Dave,

So glad you and Joy were able to listen on Friday last. Many thanks for your card. Oddly enough, I quite enjoyed myself too, for there were more right notes than I had any reason to expect! Also, I was just in the mood.

Menotti? But he isn't here yet, is he? Certainly ‘The Consul', which is the name of the opera, hasn't yet come on, for I would have noticed about the 1st performance in the papers. nor is there any sign of it in the theatre advertisements. But I seem to remember reading some time ago that [Laurence] Olivier was bringing it over to the St James, so at least Menotti will be better looked after than last time. I'd love to go with you and J, and will certainly let you know if I hear of any party in the air.

I've already read the Wedgwood [ ‘Social History of England’] and thought it first-rate.

I'd very much like to show you the beginning of the first movement of the [Piano] Concerto, to see whether you think it fits with the rest.