But gradually his range of classical reference, his jazz-like improvisations and the reductive sense of loss his art engendered won a wide audience.

This shows in the lyricism of the frequent descriptive passages, imbued with symbolism and classical references.

This joke and other classical references largely appeared to fall flat in the nearly deserted hall.

As affable and loquacious as his flaxen-haired boss (minus the classical references), the deputy mayor for housing, land and property also seems to favour slightly dishevelled, untucked-shirt chic.

Despite a mode of speech that was by turns sardonic, poetic and laced with classical references, he wrote in a factual, unexpressive style and with astute judgment.