Constant Lambert's tragically early death removes one of the strongest
links with the musical life of the 'twenties, the years when his own outstanding talents and Diaghileffs patronage brought him early fame. His musical tastes, his sense of humour and his romanticism a rebours were unmistakably those of a period, but both the man and, in a narrower sense, his music were strongly individual. As a composer Lambert never quite fulfilled his early promise, but he will be remembered by all for his " Rio Grande" and by musicians and historians of music for " Summer's Last Will and Testament." His work as conductor and musical director of the Sadler's Wells Ballet took the best years of his life, and he • played a large part in determining the company's admirable musical standards. He was a witty and provocative writer, and his Music Ho! remains one of the most entertaining and best-written books of musical criticism in the
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