Although many recordings of William Walton's film scores have been released in the past, Chandos's four-set retrospective is the most definitive...... more
Although many recordings of William Walton's
film scores have been released in the past, Chandos's four-set retrospective is the most definitive presentation of these masterpieces yet assembled. Much of the credit belongs to the late Christopher Palmer, who was the catalyst behind these richly detailed recordings. The theme of the first disc is Shakespeare, highlighted by a newly expanded, nine-movement suite of music from Laurence Olivier's Hamlet (1948). Walton worked closely with Olivier on the music, resulting in a first-rate, eclectic score featuring two main motifs (for Hamlet's murdered father and Ophelia), an exquisite sarabande ("The Players--Entry Of The Court"), and "Finale (Funeral March)", a grand set-piece which has since become a concert hall staple. Paul Czinner's version of Shakespeare's As You Like
It (1936) may not be as well known, but the
film (starring Laurence Olivier as Orlando) features a satirical, charming score. Walton's music has been organised by Palmer into an effective poem for orchestra. Whether
it be the dance music, an evocative nocturnal excursion ("Moonlight"), or a stirring wedding processional, Walton's music projects confidence and class. Though this Chandos release belongs on every collector's shelf, a budget version of the same programme is available with Andrew Penny conducting the RTE Concert Orchestra on the Naxos label. --Kevin Mulhall
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