By the time he began working on his First Symphony, William Walton had already established himself as the most exciting young British composer of the day. The work proved to be one of the twentieth century's greatest symphonies. Volcanic sentiments simmer beneath its surface and the music conveys the tensions of the 1930s whilst always remaining consistently timeless in its appeal.
Composer Walton Conductor Sir Colin Davis Performers London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in B flat minor
1. I. Allegro Assai
2. II. Scherzo: Presto, Con Malizia
3. III. Andante Con Malincolia
4. IV. Maestoso - Brio Ed Ardentemente Vivacissmo Maestoso
Release date 8 May 2006
LSO0076 | 822231107620
Producer James Mallinson Engineers Classic Sound Ltd
Recorded September and December 2005, Barbican, London
DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording
Notes in English / en Francais / auf Deutsch
Available on streaming services
Reviews
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'This is a performance that will stand the test of time for generations to come.'
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'The whole performance, taken from concerts at the Barbican late last year, has a power and eloquence and tragic intensity that show the orchestra, their conductor, Colin Davis, and the work at their splendid best. Even André Previn's 1966 account wilts alongside this dazzler.'
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'Yet again, the London Symphony Orchestra has scored a hands-down success for their in-house record label, LSO Live. Sir Colin has long been a champion of English music, but even by his standards this is a vital performance. The LSO grapple with Walton's technically demanding score with apparent ease ... one of their strongest releases yet.'
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