Sir William Walton: Belshazzar’s Feast 31st July, 1957

Experience the timeless masterpiece "Belshazzar’s Feast" by Sir William Walton, a renowned English composer celebrated for his rich and evocative compositions. This album, released on August 18, 2014, under The Digital Gramophone label, offers a captivating journey through Walton's iconic cantata, originally premiered in 1931. The recording features the distinguished BBC Symphony Orchestra and Sir Malcolm Sargent conducting, with Sir Osbert Sitwell providing commentary and Dennis Noble delivering a powerful baritone performance.

"Belshazzar’s Feast" is a monumental work that showcases Walton's genius for blending dramatic narrative with profound musical expression. The album includes three tracks: an introduction, a commentary, and the full cantata itself, spanning a total of 37 minutes. Each track is a testament to Walton's ability to weave together complex orchestral arrangements with vivid storytelling, making this a quintessential piece of classical music.

This recording is particularly notable as it captures one of Walton's own performances, conducted by him and recorded on July 31, 1957. It provides a unique insight into the composer's interpretation of his own work, offering listeners a chance to experience "Belshazzar’s Feast" as Walton himself envisioned it. The album is a treasure for both longtime admirers of Walton's music and those new to his extraordinary body of work.

Sir William Turner Walton, one of the most significant British composers of the 20th century, crafted a diverse and influential body of work that spans various classical genres. Born in Oldham, Lancashire, in 1902, Walton's musical journey began under the influence of his choirmaster father and singing-teacher mother, leading him to become a chorister at Christ Church Cathedral. Throughout his sixty-year career, Walton composed works that range from jazzy and modern orchestral pieces to operas and film scores, earning him a place among the greats like Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Britten.

Walton's collaborations were as notable as his compositions. He worked with the poet Edith Sitwell on the iconic "Façade," a piece that blends spoken word with music, and his encounters with composers like Stravinsky and Schoenberg further enriched his artistic vision. His best-known works, such as the cantata "Belshazzar's Feast," the Viola Concerto, the First Symphony, and the coronation marches "Crown Imperial" and "Orb and Sceptre," showcase his versatility and mastery of composition.

Despite being largely self-taught, Walton's contributions to British musical heritage are immense. His music, characterized by its emotional depth and technical brilliance, continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Walton's legacy is preserved and promoted by the Walton Trust, ensuring that his orchestral, choral, chamber, and vocal works remain a vital part of the classical music landscape.