THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

[between 15 January and February, 1936]

(5) In Act III (this is rather a bold suggestion) could we not cut the whole of the scene between the Empress and Gallanthus & Angelica and make the Empress send for Tormentilla as a direct result of her experiences with the crystal.
(6)  Could we cut one of Dipsacus’ 2 invocations?  If we cannot cut the dialogue to this extent I have or if we have to save still further time I have yet other ideas for musical cuts – but I confess I shall make these unwillingly.  The cuts I have suggested above will I think be definite improvements – however, if we are not careful there will be no music and no dialogue left, and perhaps this will be the best solution of the whole problem!
Yours very sincerely
R Vaughan Williams