Lot 413
413
Paul McCartney

Details
Paul McCartney
A four page autograph letter, signed, 7 Cavendish Ave, London, N.W.8 [n.d. but circa 1967 ] to John Dexter telling him This is a very awkward letter to write, because I want to explain honestly why somebody else should do the music for 'As You Like It'....I don't like the play, or Shakespeare, enough to do something good...I do feel a bit of a c*** not having said this before, but I think I'm right. I would love to write music for a play that I'm not so far removed from, because then it would be instinctive...I think I would be stupid to do music I didn't mean, and I haven't got enough love for Shakespeare to be able to do it naturally. I'm sure the result would be forced, and therefore be bad for everyone concerned...Yours apologetically. Paul

Lot Essay

McCartney's letter is a response to John Dexter's invitation to do the music for a production of As You Like It at The National Theatre. The invitation was apparently extended to McCartney over dinner at Maggie Smith's house in circa 1967.

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