Immerse yourself in the captivating world of classical music with William Walton's "Walton: Belshazzar's Feast, Symphony No. 1". This album, released under the LSO Live label in June 2011, offers a compelling journey through Walton's masterful compositions, showcasing his prowess as a composer.
The album is a two-part exploration of Walton's genius, beginning with "Belshazzar's Feast", a grand choral work that draws its inspiration from the biblical story of Belshazzar's downfall. This piece is a testament to Walton's ability to blend dramatic narrative with rich, evocative music. The second part of the album features Walton's Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, a large-scale piece of 'absolute' music that reflects Walton's admiration for Beethoven. The symphony is a powerful exploration of emotion and expression, showcasing Walton's unique voice in the classical genre.
The album features the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the esteemed Colin Davis, with Peter Coleman-Wright as the baritone soloist. The recording, which took place in November 2010 at the City Halls in Glasgow, Scotland, is a testament to the exceptional talent of all involved. The album's duration is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, offering a substantial and satisfying listening experience.
"Walton: Belshazzar's Feast, Symphony No. 1" is a must-listen for fans of classical music, offering a deep dive into the works of one of the genre's most celebrated composers. Whether you're a long-time admirer of Walton's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2011 London Symphony Orchestra Ltd2011 London Symphony Orchestra Ltd
Tracks
Belshazzar's Feast: I. "Thus Spake Isaiah"William Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Belshazzar's Feast: II. A Tempo - "If I Forget Thee"William Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Peter Coleman-Wright
Belshazzar's Feast: III. "By the Waters of Babylon"William Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Belshazzar's Feast: IV. "Babylon Was a Great City"William Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Peter Coleman-Wright
Belshazzar's Feast: V. "Praise Ye the God of Gold!"William Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Peter Coleman-Wright
Belshazzar's Feast: VI. Allegro Molto - "Thus in Babylon"William Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Belshazzar's Feast: VII. "Thou, O King, Art King of Kings"William Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Belshazzar's Feast: VIII. "And in That Same Hour"William Walton, Sir Colin Davis, Peter Coleman-Wright, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Belshazzar's Feast: IX. "The Trumpeters and Pipers"William Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra
Belshazzar's Feast: X. Allegro - "Then Sing Aloud to God Our Strength"William Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat Minor: I. Allegro assaiWilliam Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat Minor: II. Scherzo - Presto, con maliziaWilliam Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat Minor: III. Andante con malincoliaWilliam Walton, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat Minor: IV. Maestoso - Brioso ed ardentemente - Vivacissimo - MaestosoWilliam Walton, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis