William Walton - Walton: Quest - The Wise Virgins (LP)

William Walton's "Walton: Quest - The Wise Virgins" is a captivating journey through the realm of classical ballet music, released in 2002 under the Naxos label. This album is a two-part masterpiece, featuring Walton's only original ballet, "The Quest," and a suite from his ballet "The Wise Virgins." The Quest is a complete ballet, divided into five scenes, each depicting a different stage of a heroic journey, filled with drama and intrigue. The Wise Virgins ballet suite offers a lighter, more lyrical contrast, drawing from various cantatas and chorales to create a cohesive and enchanting musical experience. Performed by the English Northern Philharmonia under the direction of David Lloyd-Jones, the album showcases Walton's exceptional compositional skills and the orchestra's virtuosity. With a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, this album is a testament to Walton's enduring legacy in the world of classical music.