Constant Lambert

Full biography Constant Lambert

Constant Lambert was a British composer, conductor, and critic who was born on August 23, 1905, and passed away on August 21, 1951. He was considered a prodigy, writing orchestral works from the age of 13. Lambert studied at the Royal College of Music in London , where he won a scholarship in 1922 and studied until 1926.

In 1925, when he was just 20 years old, Lambert received a high-profile commission to write a ballet score for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. He went on to write several more pieces for the Ballets Russes and became the first English composer to write a ballet score for them. Lambert played a leading role in establishing ballet as an art form in England.

He was known for his jazz-inspired music and his use of dissonant harmonies. Some of his most famous works include "The Rio Grande," "Horoscope," and "Music for Orchestra." Lambert was also a prolific conductor, working with orchestras such as the London Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic.

In addition to his musical career, Lambert was also known for his outspoken and controversial opinions on music and politics. He was a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain and wrote several articles advocating for socialist policies.

Overall, Constant Lambert was a highly influential figure in the world of British music, particularly in the realm of ballet and jazz-inspired music. His life was cut short at the age of 45, but his legacy continues to live on through his many compositions and recordings.