Immerse yourself in the rich, vibrant world of Sir William Walton's masterful compositions with the album "Walton: Violin Concerto, Partita & Hindemith Variations." This captivating collection, released on Hyperion in June 2017, showcases Walton's extraordinary talent and the exquisite artistry of violinist Anthony Marwood and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Martyn Brabbins.
The album opens with Walton's renowned Violin Concerto, a piece that beautifully balances tranquility and vigor, as heard in the Andante tranquillo and the Presto capriccioso alla napolitana. The Partita for Orchestra follows, offering a trio of contrasting movements that range from the lively Toccata to the playful Giga burlesca.
The centerpiece of the album is the Variations on a Theme by Hindemith, a tour de force that demonstrates Walton's compositional prowess and the orchestra's versatility. Each variation, from the Vivace to the Lento molto, is a distinct gem, culminating in a thrilling Finale and Coda.
Recorded in Glasgow, Scotland, this album is a testament to the collaborative brilliance of the performers and the meticulous production team. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes, it's a substantial and rewarding listen for any classical music enthusiast. Whether you're a longtime fan of Walton's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Violin Concerto: I. Andante tranquilloWilliam Walton, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Anthony Marwood
Violin Concerto: II. Presto capriccioso alla napolitana – Trio. Canzonetta – Tempo IWilliam Walton, Anthony Marwood, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Violin Concerto: III. VivaceWilliam Walton, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins, Anthony Marwood
Partita for Orchestra: I. Toccata. BriosoWilliam Walton, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Partita for Orchestra: II. Pastorale siciliana. Andante comodoWilliam Walton, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Partita for Orchestra: III. Giga burlesca. Allegro giovaleWilliam Walton, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Theme. Andante con motoWilliam Walton, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Var. I. VivaceWilliam Walton, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Var. II. AllegramenteWilliam Walton, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Var. III. LarghettoWilliam Walton, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Var. IV. Moto perpetuo. Con slancioWilliam Walton, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Var. V. Andante con motoWilliam Walton, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Var. VI. ScherzandoWilliam Walton, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Var. VII. Lento moltoWilliam Walton, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Var. VIII. VivacissimoWilliam Walton, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Var. IX. MaestosoWilliam Walton, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Finale. Allegro molto –William Walton, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Variations on a Theme by Hindemith: Coda. A tempo primo, ma meno mossoWilliam Walton, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Spitfire Prelude and FugueWilliam Walton, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins