Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of William Walton's compositions with "Sir William Walton: A Centenary Celebration." This exquisite collection, released by SOMM Recordings, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first performance of Edith Sitwell's iconic "entertainment" Façade. The album is a rich tapestry of Walton's musical genius, featuring a diverse array of pieces that showcase his mastery of orchestration and his unique ability to blend classical traditions with modern sensibilities.
The album spans a generous 81 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Walton's musical legacy. It includes the complete "Façade," a suite of poems set to music, which was a groundbreaking work in its time. The suite is performed with the original spoken texts, adding a layer of depth and context to the music. Alongside "Façade," the album features a selection of Walton's incidental music for Shakespeare's "Henry V," arranged by E. Watson. These pieces, ranging from fanfares and marches to tender interludes, provide a vivid musical backdrop to the play's dramatic narrative.
Performed by the Orchestra of the Swan under the direction of Bruce O'Neil, this recording benefits from the ensemble's renowned precision and expressive playing. The album's 38 tracks are meticulously arranged, offering a seamless flow from one piece to the next. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Walton's work, this album promises a rewarding listening experience.
"Sir William Walton: A Centenary Celebration" is not just a collection of songs; it's a celebration of a musical legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences a century after its inception. The album's release on January 21, 2022, marks a significant milestone in the world of classical music, offering a fresh perspective on Walton's enduring contributions to the genre.
Tracks
Façade: FanfareWilliam Walton, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 1, HornpipeWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 2, En familleWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 3, Mariner ManWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 4, Long Steel GrassWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 5, Through Gilded TrellisesWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 6, Tango-PasodobléWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 7, Lullaby for JumboWilliam Walton, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 8, Black Mrs. BehemothWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 9, TarantellaWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 10, The Man from a Far CountreeWilliam Walton, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 11, By the LakeWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 12, Country DanceWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 13, PolkaWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 14, Four in the MorningWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 15, Something Lies Beyond the SceneWilliam Walton, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 16, ValseWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 17, Yodelling SongWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 18, Scotch RhapsodyWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 19, Popular SongWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 20, Fox-Trot (Old Sir Faulk)William Walton, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Façade: No. 21, Sir BeelzebubWilliam Walton, Roderick Williams, Tamsin Dalley, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Prologue. Fanfare - March - O for a Muse of Fire (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Slower - Suppose Within the Girdle (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Brightly (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra] [1]William Walton, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Poco meno - March. Vivo (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra]William Walton, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Interlude at the Boar's Head - Scherzando. Allegretto giocoso - Falstaff, He Is Sick (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Falstaff Rejection - God Save Thy Grace, King Hal! (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Touch Her Soft Lips and Art - Slow, Tenderly - Fanfare - Suppose That You Have Seen (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Harfleur (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
The Night Watch (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Agincourt (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Interlude at the French Court (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Bailero. Lento tranquillo - Alas, She Hath from France (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Andante pastorale - You Have Witchcraft in Your Lips, Kate (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Maestoso festoso - March. Vivo (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra]William Walton, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Epilogue (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra & Narrator]William Walton, Kevin Whately, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
Brightly (From "Henry V") [Arr. E. Watson for Orchestra] [2]William Walton, Orchestra of the Swan, Bruce O'Neil
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