BRIDGES, Robert.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Two autograph letters signed, one to Noel Ponsonby, and one to Mrs Mary Ponsonby. These letters provide a small insight into Bridges's interest in chanting, together with a touching letter of condolence. Bridges and Ponsonby shared an interest in the acoustics of church buildings, and Bridges wrote three papers on the practice of singing the psalms to Anglican chants.Bridges states that he has "got the book back from Fox [Strangways]", and asks Ponsonby to lunch. Bridges suggests times for the meal, and gives transport details. He notes "I am leaving home on Wednesday for a fortnight so I am hoping that one of these days may suit you".In the second letter, Bridges apologises to Ponsonby's widow for not writing sooner, and explains "Noel's death was a terrible shock to us, and we have been thinking of you constantly... we had come to love him - the personal loss altogether overshadowed our regret for the breaking off of his work at Christ Church in which we were so much interested". Bridges acknowledges receipt of "all the chanting papers" and vows "to do my best to see that Noel's work [is] carried on as he would have wished... I assure you that I will spare no pains". Bridges states that the matter of chanting "is more involved than even Noel knew it to be", and explains "if the Church of England will not move, the nonconformists will be grateful; and there will be a good musical welcome in America".Noel Ponsonby (1891-1928), organist of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, was

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