Immerse yourself in the rich, orchestral world of William Walton with this exceptional collection, "Walton conducts Walton: Symphony No. 1, Belshazzar's Feast etc." Released on August 31, 2009, under the Warner Classics label, this album is a testament to Walton's mastery of classical composition and conducting. Spanning over two hours and thirty-two minutes, it offers a comprehensive journey through some of Walton's most celebrated works.
The album opens with Walton's powerful Symphony No. 1 in B flat minor, a piece that showcases his ability to blend dramatic intensity with lyrical beauty. Following this, the choral masterpiece "Belshazzar's Feast" unfolds, a work renowned for its vivid storytelling and majestic choral writing. Walton's Violin Concerto and Viola Concerto are also featured, highlighting his skill in crafting virtuosic yet deeply expressive solo works. The album concludes with the Partita for Orchestra, a suite that demonstrates Walton's knack for creating engaging and varied orchestral textures.
This collection is a treasure trove for both longtime admirers of Walton's music and those new to his work. The 1994 digital remastering ensures that the sound quality is pristine, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the intricacies of Walton's compositions. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of his symphonic works or the intimacy of his concertos, this album offers a compelling exploration of one of the 20th century's most significant composers.
Symphony No. 1 in B flat minor (1994 Digital Remaster): I. Allegro assaiWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in B flat minor (1994 Digital Remaster): II. Presto, con maliziaWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in B flat minor (1994 Digital Remaster): III. Andante con malinconiaWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in B flat minor (1994 Digital Remaster): IV. Maestoso - Brioso ed ardentemente - Vivacissimo - MaestosoWilliam Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast (1994 Digital Remaster): Thus spake IsaiahWilliam Walton, Donald Bell/Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton/Wilhelm Pitz, Philharmonia Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast (1994 Digital Remaster): If I forget thee, O JerusalemWilliam Walton, Donald Bell/Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton/Wilhelm Pitz, Philharmonia Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast (1994 Digital Remaster): By the waters of BabylonWilliam Walton, Donald Bell/Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton/Wilhelm Pitz, Philharmonia Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast (1994 Digital Remaster): Babylon was a great cityWilliam Walton, Donald Bell/Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton/Wilhelm Pitz, Philharmonia Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast (1994 Digital Remaster): Praise ye the God of GoldWilliam Walton, Donald Bell/Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton/Wilhelm Pitz, Philharmonia Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast (1994 Digital Remaster): Thus in Babylon the mighty cityWilliam Walton, Donald Bell/Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton/Wilhelm Pitz, Philharmonia Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast (1994 Digital Remaster): And in that same hour, as they feastedWilliam Walton, Donald Bell/Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton/Wilhelm Pitz, Philharmonia Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast (1994 Digital Remaster): Then sing aloud to God our strengthWilliam Walton, Donald Bell/Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton/Wilhelm Pitz, Philharmonia Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast (1994 Digital Remaster): The trumpeters and pipers are silentWilliam Walton, Donald Bell/Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton/Wilhelm Pitz, Philharmonia Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast (1994 Digital Remaster): Then sing aloud to God our strengthWilliam Walton, Donald Bell/Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir William Walton/Wilhelm Pitz, Philharmonia Orchestra
Violin Concerto (revised version) (1994 - Remaster): I. Andante tranquilloWilliam Walton, Sir William Walton/Yehudi Menuhin/London Symphony Orchestra, Phil Chapman, London Symphony Orchestra
Walton: Violin Concerto: II. Presto capriccioso alla napolitana - Trio - Tempo I (Revised Version)William Walton, Sir William Walton, London Symphony Orchestra
Violin Concerto (revised version) (1994 - Remaster): III. VivaceWilliam Walton, Sir William Walton/Yehudi Menuhin/London Symphony Orchestra, Phil Chapman, London Symphony Orchestra
Viola Concerto: I. Andante comodoWilliam Walton, Sir William Walton/Yehudi Menuhin/New Philharmonia Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Viola Concerto: II. Vivo, con molto precisoWilliam Walton, Sir William Walton/Yehudi Menuhin/New Philharmonia Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Viola Concerto: III. Allegro moderatoWilliam Walton, Sir William Walton/Yehudi Menuhin/New Philharmonia Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Partita for Orchestra (1994 Digital Remaster): I. Toccata (Brioso)William Walton, Sir William Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Partita for Orchestra (1994 Digital Remaster): II. Pastorale siciliana (Andante comodo)William Walton, Sir William Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Partita for Orchestra (1994 Digital Remaster): III. Giga burlesca (Allegro giovale)William Walton, Sir William Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra