Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of William Walton's "Hamlet & As You Like It," a captivating exploration of Shakespeare's iconic works through the lens of classical music. Released in 1990 under the Chandos label, this album presents a meticulously crafted suite of music from two of Walton's most celebrated film scores, arranged by Christopher Palmer and conducted by the esteemed Neville Marriner.
The album is a rich tapestry of Walton's compositional genius, featuring music from the 1948 film "Hamlet" and the 1936 film "As You Like It," both starring the legendary Laurence Olivier. The suite from "Hamlet" is particularly notable for its depth and color, enhanced by the contributions of Sir John Gielgud, who lends his voice to two of Hamlet's most famous soliloquies.
Spanning just over 51 minutes, the album is divided into two main sections. The first part delves into the dramatic and introspective world of "Hamlet," with tracks that capture the essence of Shakespeare's tragedy, from the haunting "Prelude" to the poignant "Soliloquy" and the climactic "Finale. Funeral March." The second part transports you to the pastoral charm of "As You Like It," with tracks like "Moonlight" and "Under the Greenwood Tree" evoking the playful and romantic spirit of the comedy.
William Walton, already an established composer by the mid-1930s, brought his unique vision to these film scores, drawing on his extensive experience with works like "Façade," "Portsmouth Point," and the "Viola Concerto." His collaboration with Laurence Olivier resulted in some of the most memorable film scores of the 20th century, and this album offers a compelling glimpse into that creative partnership.
Whether you're a fan of classical music, Shakespeare, or simply appreciate the art of film scoring, "Hamlet & As You Like It" is a treasure trove of musical excellence. The album's superb playing and recording quality, as noted by critics, ensure that every nuance of Walton's score is brought to life, making it a standout addition to any music collection.
Tracks
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): I. PreludeWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): IIa. FanfareWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): IIb. SoliloquyWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): III. The GhostWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): IV. Hamlet and OpheliaWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): Va. The QuestionWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): Vb. To be or not to beWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VIa. The Mousetrap. The PlayersWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VIb. The Mousetrap. Entry of the CourtWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VIc. The Mousetrap. The PlayWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VII. Ophelia's DeathWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VIIIa. RetributionWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): VIIIb. ThrenodyWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
Hamlet (A Shakespeare Scenario): IX. Finale. Funeral MarchWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir John Gielgud
As You Like It: I. PreludeWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Catherine Bott
As You Like It: II. MoonlightWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Catherine Bott
As You Like It: III. Under the Greenwood TreeWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Catherine Bott
As You Like It: IV. The FountainWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Catherine Bott
As You Like It: V. Wedding ProcessionWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Catherine Bott
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