Constant LAMBERT (1905-1951)

Autograph Letter Signed (“Constant Lambert”) to “Dear Michel”, sending regrets that he is “engaged for Christmas”.
1 page 4to, 42 Peel Street, W8, 16 December n.y.                              

“So sorry not to have answered your letter before but I have been away in Manchester.
I am engaged for Christmas I’m afraid but I should love to come down the week-end after if that is convenient. Any news of Varda?”
In a postscript, he adds “Please tell Susan that I have been thinking about her music but that I have lost the pieces I think might do.”
It is impossible to be certain about the identity of those mentioned. Michel may be Michel Fokine, with whom Lambert was well acquainted; Varda is perhaps the artist Jean Varda, who had a brief career as a ballet dancer and who lived in London for a period during the inter-war years, or possibly his first wife, Dorothy Varda, always known simply as "Varda". She was acquainted with Lambert, who in turn introduced her to the writer Anthony Powell with whom she formed a close friendship. The identity of Susan is a mystery, and any suggestions from readers will be welcome.
Lambert’s remarkable qualities as a composer and conductor did much to further the success of the Vic-Wells Ballet, later the Royal Ballet, in its formative years. He was hailed as a musical genius, but died an early death, largely brought on by his alcoholism.

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