William Walton (arr. Palmer): A Wartime Sketchbook (1941-42/1990)

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields conducted by / Academia de San Martín en los Campos dirigida por Sir Neville Marriner.

1. Prologue (0:00)
2. Bicycle chase / Persecución en Bicicleta (4:58)
3. Refugees / Refugiados (6:46)
4. Gay Berlin / Berlín Alegre (10:36)
5. Foxtrots (14:43)
6. Lovers / Amantes (18:00)
7. Striptease (21:00)
8. Epilogue (22:52)

William Walton is by far the most recognized British composer after Elgar. He was an especially prolific composer for orchestra, stage and films, collaborating with film/stage star Laurence Oliver occasionally, but very specifically in his adaptation for film of Shakespeare’s Henry V. It was during this period, more specifically WWII that Walton composed music for patriotic films such as Next of Kin, Went the Day Well and The Foreman went to France, which became historical primary sources after the conflict. However, the music of these films was never released as such and so musicologist and composer Christopher Palmer (1946-1995) arranged them in this attractive suite which showcases some of the most distinctive vignettes of civilian life during the dreadful conflict.

William Walton es por mucho el compositor británico más reconocido posterior a Elgar. Fue un compositor prolífico tanto para la orquesta como para el escenario y para las películas, ocasionalmente colaborando con la estrella de cine y teatro Laurence Oliver pero sobre todo durante su adaptación para cine del clásico Enrique V de Shakespeare. Fue durante este tiempo, más específicamente la 2GM que Walton compuso música para películas patrióticas como Next of Kin, Went the Day Well y The Foreman went to France, mismas que se volvieron documentos históricos para explicar el conflicto. No obstante, la música de estas películas nunca fue analizada totalmente y por ello el musicólogo y compositor Christopher Palmer (1946-1995) las arregló en esta atractiva suite que pone en escena algunas de las escenas más distintivas de la vida civil durante aquel devastador conflicto.

Image/imagen: The Blitz, our London Docks. / La Blitz sobre el muelle de Londres. Charles Pears. 1940.

[bobhourigan]

A new piece of Walton for me. A great listen. Thks for the post.

[paulputnam]

The wartime film music of William Walton is difficult to find now.
'Went the Day Well' & 'The Foreman went to France' contain some of his best work. Good to hear this.

[msaeki]

Great composition and excellent orchestration ! Thanks a lot!

[MichaelConwayBaker]

I have never heard this music. It's just great fun. Thanks for posting

[Nikuman-Sukinanoyo]

I miss you. I played this music in the selection wind music meet of Hamamatsu by wind music arrangement! I still hear it in favorite music.

[johnglass]

WONDERFUL. The percussion is solid and lively. Thank you, WW.

[jimstokes]

Really great! Utterly great music from Willy Walton. I especially like Bicycle Chase & Foxtrots! CHEERS!

[Glinkaism]

THANKS! I've been searching for this.

[jimstokes]

utterly fantastic. Never heard it played with such gusto! Some of it is in the recording. Some in the arrangement! I've heard other versions, but they don't beat this for feeling! CHEERS!

[jimstokes]

Foxtrots, my favorite section, starts at around 14:45! Two tunes here. So groovy! Love the way the movements are so easily accessed by clicking on the time. :)

[paulschlitz]

A new piece of Walton for me too. Wonderful music. Walton should have written more foxtrots IMHO

[paulschlitz]

Not everything Walton wrote was great. But when Walton was on his game he is legitimately writing some of the best music of the 20th century. The Prologue and the two foxtrots are such a game day

[angelescorral]

me parecen estupendas las tres obras q conozco de este compositor aunque amo la música clásica nunca abia escuchado de él hasta el pasado domingo en la estación cultural de universidad nicolíita con otra obra q ojala se pudiera subir al you tube la obra es alondra silvestre gracias

[MegaCirse]

Spiritual, sensory and rebellious, music of this composer reveals secret impostures, explores serene pleasures, a world of resurfacing dreams!

[gabrieru]

Nunca había escuchado ésta obra, muchas gracias

[jimstokes]

Just occurred to me that the root melody of Foxtrots sure sounds like "Goodbye, Jimmy Goodbye, " a sort of folk song. Anyone else note that? It is obvious in the last section of the song at about 16:25. :)

[MyTroubadour]

Il y a très peu de commentaires en Français mais le mien est largement en faveur de la musique Britannique. J'aime beaucoup.

[vulgivagu]

A lot of William Walton's work is difficult to find. Have to say The Prologue is equally impressive played on a large organ. Same applies to Walton's Spitfire fugue which was originally an orchestral piece.

[Glinkaism]

Marvelous! Maybe the best he ever wrote.

[paulputnam]

Surely Britains foremost C20 composer ?
Overshadowed by 'Battle of Britain' unfortunately, this music from his wartime work is up there with his best work although sadly now largely unknown. Our foremost C20 composer ?
I think so.