Walton: Viola Concerto

Dive into the rich, lyrical world of William Walton with his renowned Viola Concerto, a masterpiece that stands as a testament to the composer's enduring genius. This album, released on January 1, 2000, under the Maestoso label, offers a captivating journey through Walton's distinctive musical language, showcasing his ability to blend lyricism with structural ingenuity.

The album features the Viola Concerto, a work composed between 1928 and 1929, which received its premiere at the Queen's Hall in London. This concerto, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, is a beautiful, lyrical piece that highlights Walton's compositional prowess. The concerto is divided into three movements: "Andante comodo," "Vivo, con molto preciso," and "Allegro moderato," each offering a unique exploration of the viola's expressive capabilities.

In addition to the Viola Concerto, the album includes "Der Schwanendreher," a three-movement work that further demonstrates Walton's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create evocative musical landscapes. The pieces "Zwischen berg und tiefem tal," "Nun laube, lindlein, laube," and "Seid ihr nicht der schwanendreher" are performed with precision and sensitivity, providing a rich listening experience.

William Walton, born in Oldham, Lancashire, is celebrated for his contributions to classical music, including works like "Façade," "Belshazzar's Feast," and his First Symphony. His Viola Concerto, in particular, is a standout piece that has garnered critical acclaim and remains a favorite among classical music enthusiasts.

This album, with a total duration of 45 minutes, is a compelling introduction to Walton's artistry. It features some of the finest performances of his works, recorded with meticulous attention to detail. Whether you are a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to Walton's music, this album offers a rewarding and enriching experience.

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.