Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Wartime Favourite

Walton's career took a new turn in the wartime era: his music was behind some of the greatest patriotic films ever made. Donald Macleod looks at the composer's increasing national importance- and official recognition.

1 hour

Music Played

  • William Walton

    Spitfire Prelude

    Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra Performer: Conductor: Sir William Walton

    • EMI 7243 5 65007 2 3.
    • 13.
  • William Walton

    Christopher Columbus: A Musical Journey

    Performer: Scenes 8-12 Performer: Speaker (Christopher Columbus): Julian Glover Performer: Speaker (Ironic Spirit/Herald): Jamie Glover Performer: Speaker (Sailor/Voice): Philip Lloyd Holtam Performer: Soprano (Isabella): Caroline Carragher Performer: Mezzo (Beatriz): Jean Rigby Performer: Tenor: Tom Randle Performer: Baritone: Roderick Williams Performer: Guitar: Craig Ogden Performer: ´óÏó´«Ã½ National Chorus of Wales Performer: ´óÏó´«Ã½ National Orchestra of Wales Performer: Conductor: Richard Hickox

    • CHANDOS CHSA 5034 22-32.
  • William Walton

    Henry V- Scenes from the film

    Performer: Speaker: Sir Laurence Olivier Performer: Philharmonia Orchestra Performer: Conductor: Sir William Walton

    • EMI 7243 5 65007 2 3.
  • William Walton

    Orb and Sceptre

    Performer: London Philharmonic Orchestra Performer: Conductor: Sir Adrian Boult

    • EMI 7243 5 65584 2 7.
    • 13.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 3 Feb 2010 12:00
  • Wed 3 Feb 2010 22:00
  • Wed 8 Feb 2012 12:00
  • Wed 8 Feb 2012 18:30

Vaughan Williams Today

Vaughan Williams Today

Programmes, concerts and features celebrating Vaughan Williams's 150th anniversary.

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.