Walton: Facade

Dive into the enchanting world of William Walton's "Facade," a captivating collection of musical entertainments that first brought the composer to prominence in the 1920s. This album, released on January 1, 2000, under the Maestoso label, is a complete recording of Walton's unique and fascinating work, setting the virtuoso and extraordinary poems of Dame Edith Sitwell. The album features a chamber ensemble, including a narrator, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, percussion, and violin, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape.

"Facade" is a complex and intricate work, with over thirty extant numbers that have been assembled and performed in various configurations since its premiere. This recording brings together all thirty-three extant Walton settings of the Edith Sitwell poems, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of this groundbreaking work.

The album's tracklist is a journey through a variety of musical styles and moods, from the lively "Hornpipe" and "Tango-Pasodoble" to the soothing "Lullaby For Jumbo" and the haunting "Something Lies Beyond The Scene." Each track is a testament to Walton's compositional genius and his ability to bring Sitwell's poetry to life through music.

Recorded at the Henry Wood Hall in London in September 2000, this album features a stellar cast of performers, including Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, and Kevin Whately, with the Orchestra of the Swan under the direction of Bruce O'Neil. The recording captures the spirit and energy of Walton's "Facade," making it a essential addition to any classical music lover's collection.

William Walton's "Facade" is not just an album; it's an experience that showcases the composer's unique voice and his enduring legacy in the world of classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Walton's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Sir William Turner Walton, OM, was a distinguished English composer whose prolific career spanned six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. Born in Oldham, Lancashire, in 1902, Walton's musical journey began as a chorister at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, where he honed his skills and composed his earliest pieces. Throughout his career, Walton's versatility shone through as he composed in various genres, from symphonies and operas to film scores, each piece reflecting his unique voice and innovative spirit. His collaborations with notable figures such as Edith Sitwell and his interactions with composers like Stravinsky and Schoenberg further enriched his musical vocabulary. Walton's most celebrated works, including "Façade," "Belshazzar's Feast," the Viola Concerto, and the coronation marches "Crown Imperial" and "Orb and Sceptre," continue to captivate audiences worldwide. His ability to blend complex symphonic structures with accessible, jazzy elements makes his music enduringly attractive. Walton's legacy as one of England's most important composers between Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten is a testament to his enduring influence on British musical heritage.