THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Dorking,
Surrey.

17th October, 1951.

Dear Cedric

I am engaging flutes and oboes for the “St. John” Passion on March 1st. Could you kindly tell me the addresses of the flutes and oboe we had for the “Matthew”,¹ especially Eliot, Shifner and the Lady flutist, whose name I forget; but not, I think, Barton or Gilbert. Also could you tell me what is the correct fee for principal and sub-principal apart from obbligati?
As regards your noble invitation to “Wozzeck”, I should be quite happy, indeed happier, in the amphitheatre, as near the front as possible rather than down below. I find I can hear and see much better there, but I daresay you have already made your arrangements and I shall be equally happy (or unhappy) wherever I am.
Yrs

R Vaughan Williams

(R. Vaughan Williams).

Cedric Glover, Esq.,
Rotherwood,
Holmbury St. Mary,
Dorking.

1. i.e. Bach’s St Matthew Passion, which VW regularly conducted in Dorking.