Immerse yourself in the dramatic world of Shakespeare as interpreted by the masterful William Walton in this captivating classical album. "Walton: Hamlet & As You Like It" is a stunning collection of orchestral suites composed by Walton, drawing inspiration from two of Shakespeare's most renowned plays. Originally recorded in November 1989 and released in May 1990 under the Chandos label, this album showcases Walton's genius in translating the Bard's timeless narratives into evocative musical scores.
The album is divided into two main sections, each corresponding to a Shakespearean play. The first part, "Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario)," is a powerful and atmospheric exploration of the iconic tragedy. Walton's composition masterfully captures the play's themes of madness, revenge, and mortality, with standout tracks like "To be or not to be" and "The Mousetrap" highlighting his ability to convey dramatic tension and psychological depth. The second part, "As You Like It," offers a lighter contrast, with enchanting pieces like "Moonlight" and "Under the Greenwood Tree" evoking the pastoral charm and romantic entanglements of the comedy.
Conducted by the esteemed Sir Neville Marriner and performed by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, this album benefits from exceptional musical craftsmanship. The performances are brought to life by notable soloists John Gielgud and Catherine Bott, adding an extra layer of authenticity and theatricality to the recordings. With a running time of just over 51 minutes, this album is a concise yet comprehensive journey through Walton's Shakespearean oeuvre, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
1990 Chandos Records1990 Chandos Records
Tracks
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): I. PreludeWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): IIa. FanfareWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): IIb. SoliloquyWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): III. The GhostWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): IV. Hamlet and OpheliaWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): Va. The QuestionWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): Vb. To be or not to beWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VIa. The Mousetrap. The PlayersWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VIb. The Mousetrap. Entry of the CourtWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VIc. The Mousetrap. The PlayWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VII. Ophelia's DeathWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VIIIa. RetributionWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VIIIb. ThrenodyWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): IX. Finale. Funeral MarchWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
As You Like It: I. PreludeWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Catherine Bott
As You Like It: II. MoonlightWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Catherine Bott
As You Like It: III. Under the Greenwood TreeWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Catherine Bott
As You Like It: IV. The FountainWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Catherine Bott
As You Like It: V. Wedding ProcessionWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Catherine Bott
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