Walton: String Quartets

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of William Walton's string quartets with this captivating album, released by Chandos in March 2011. This recording, originally captured in 2010 at the acoustically renowned Potton Hall in Dunwich, Suffolk, showcases the Doric String Quartet's virtuosity and the timeless compositions of one of England's most celebrated composers.

The album features two of Walton's most significant contributions to the string quartet genre: his early String Quartet, composed between 1919 and 1922, and the later String Quartet in A Minor, completed between 1944 and 1947. These works, though not as frequently performed as some of Walton's other pieces, are a testament to his mastery of the form and his unique voice within the classical canon.

The Doric String Quartet, known for their youthful energy and impressive technical prowess, brings these quartets to life with a performance that has been critically acclaimed. The BBC Music Magazine awarded the recording four stars, praising both the performance and the recording quality. The album was also recognized as one of the Top 100 CDs of 2011 by the Sunday Times.

The album's duration of just over an hour provides a substantial exploration of Walton's string quartet compositions. The first quartet, with its youthful vigor and experimental spirit, contrasts beautifully with the more introspective and mature String Quartet in A Minor. The Doric String Quartet's nuanced interpretation of these works offers a fresh perspective on Walton's music, making this album a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.

Producer and engineer Jonathan Cooper's work on this album ensures that the recordings are of the highest quality, capturing the full range and depth of the Doric String Quartet's performance. The album's packaging, designed by Cassidy Rayne Creative, complements the music with its elegant and sophisticated aesthetic.

Whether you're a longtime admirer of William Walton's music or a newcomer to his compositions, this album offers a compelling introduction to his string quartets. The Doric String Quartet's passionate and precise playing, combined with the superb recording quality, makes this a standout release in the world of classical music.

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.