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His Crowning Decade

Donald Macleod explores Walton's possibly most successful period: a decade capped by a commission to compose for the coronation ceremony of King George VI.

Donald Macleod looks at possibly William Walton's most successful period - a decade capped by a commission to compose for the coronation ceremony of King George VI.

By the end of the 1920s Walton had become the talk of London's music world, mixing easily with the city's cultural elite. After a variety of strange liaisons, Walton started to display a special fascination for high-born women. Progress on his new symphony was stalling, as was his latest relationship with a German baroness. By the time he had reached the final movement, a new girlfriend was on the scene and his music became much brighter and more festive.

The 1930s saw Walton producing choral works, orchestral pieces and film music of the very highest quality. He was at the height of his powers, and recognised as Britain's pre-eminent composer.

1 hour

Music Played

  • William Walton

    Crown Imperial - Coronation March For Orchestra

    Orchestra: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Louis Fr茅maux.
    • EMI : CDM-7 64201 2.
    • EMI.
    • 15.
  • William Walton

    Crown Imperial - Coronation March For Orchestra

    Orchestra: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Louis Fr茅maux.
    • EMI : CDM-7 64201 2.
    • EMI.
    • 15.
  • William Walton

    Belshazzar'S Feast - Thus spake Isaiah

    Performer: London Symphony Orchestra. Singer: John Shirley鈥怮uirk. Choir: London Symphony Chorus. Conductor: Andr茅 Previn.
    • EMI: CDC 7476242.
    • EMI.
    • 1.
  • William Walton

    Belshazzar'S Feast - Thus spake Isaiah

    Performer: London Symphony Orchestra. Singer: John Shirley鈥怮uirk. Choir: London Symphony Chorus. Conductor: Andr茅 Previn.
    • EMI: CDC 7476242.
    • EMI.
    • 1.
  • William Walton

    Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Minor - IV Maestoso 鈥 Brioso ed ardentemente 鈥 Vivacissimo 鈥 Maestoso

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Andr茅 Previn.
    • EMI: CLASSICS 74321 925745 2.
    • EMI: CLASSICS.
    • 4.
  • William Walton

    Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Minor - IV Maestoso 鈥 Brioso ed ardentemente 鈥 Vivacissimo 鈥 Maestoso

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Andr茅 Previn.
    • EMI: CLASSICS 74321 925745 2.
    • EMI: CLASSICS.
    • 4.
  • William Walton

    The Wise Virgins - Ballet Suite, Arr. From Music By J S Bach - extracts

    Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Bryden Thomson.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN 8871-.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 6.
  • William Walton

    The Wise Virgins - Ballet Suite, Arr. From Music By J S Bach - extracts

    Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Bryden Thomson.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN 8871-.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 6.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 4 Aug 2015 12:00
  • Tue 4 Aug 2015 18:10

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