Charles M. Schulz, TLS, May 7, 1997

1 p. Secretary initials follows signature; Charles M. Schultz Creative Associates stationery; refrences Ellen Taaffe Zwilich.

SCHULZ, Charles M. 1922-2000. Typed letter signed "Charles M. Schulz." 1 p. 8vo. (279 x 185 mm). Dated May 7, 1997. Signed in black marker on stationery with "Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates One Snoopy Place ... " printed at head, and a silhouette of Schulz's beloved cartoon character, Snoopy, to lower portion.

Schulz thanks Sturm for his recent article ("Good Grief! It's ... The 'Peanuts Gallery"') about Zwilich's concerto, Peanuts Gallery, which was inspired by her friendship with Schulz. "Thank you for sending me the article about Ellen Zwilich. This has certainly been one of the most flattering things that has happened to me in a long time, and I appreciate the attention you gave it in your article. Of course she and I hope that orchestras all over the world will play her piece and that someone will record it soon."

Creased at folds. Upper and lower edges with minor wear.

"Peanuts Gallery began with an unexpected mention in Zwilich 's favorite comic strip. 'In 1990, to my surprise and amazement, I found myself in a Peanuts cartoon,' she said. 'Peppermint Patty and Marcie are at a concert and Marcie says that the next piece is a flute concerto by Ellen Zwilich, who just happens to be a woman. In the final frame, Peppermint Patty, standing on her chair, calls out 'GOOD GOING ELLEN!' Imagine how I felt when I saw this!' Clearly, she felt inspired. The surprise cameo in 'Peanuts' led her to develop a close friendship with cartoonist Schulz and then, to collaborate with him on the widely embraced and critically acclaimed Peanuts Gallery. In it, Zwilich's suite for piano and orchestra helps to tell the story of the journey from comic strip to Carnegie Hall. 'I've tried to capture something in the nature of each Peanuts character in six short musical sketches', she said. The evocative results: 'Schroeder's Beethoven Fantasy', 'Lullaby for Linus', 'Snoopy Does the Samba', 'Charlie Brown's Lament', 'Lucy Freaks Out: and 'Peppermint Patty and Marcie Lead the Parade'." Peanuts Gallery was premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1997. "'Peanuts'­lnspired Masterwork by Composer Ellen Zwilich Leaps from Concert Halls to TV." Press release, dated September 13, 2006, from Florida State University.