Walton' s 1st Symphony is surely one of the greatest symphonies of the 20th century. Why narrow it: one of the greatest symphonies in the whole repertoire. Period. Excellent performance, Mr. Shelley. Bravo!
First heard this in 1992 as the intro to - wait for it - a documentary about the Falklands War. I later found it again in Lord Kenneth Clark's 1969 'Civilisation' documentary series, opening the final episode, 'Heroic Materialism' over aerial images of then-present day New York - they matched the furious energy of the first movement. Clark and Walton were neighbours on the island of Ischia - Clark's admiration for Walton's music even survived Walton having an affair with Clark's wife!
Easily goes into my Top 3 of the greatest symphonies ever composed. The closing seconds of the 1st movement are mind-blowing. The 2nd movement so 'malicious', the third a profound meditation on loss, the 4th a triumphant surge of renewed faith in life and love. Just utterly wonderful!
Spend a moment and pay attention to this performance, one of the currently best conductors in the world conducting one of the best orchestras in the world on arguably the best Symphony of the of the 20th Century. William Walton 1st Symphony, Goteborg Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Shelley conducting. Phenomenal!
Definitely the greatest British symphony and certainly up there with the best in the repertoire. I get teary every time I hear this. And just for amoment there I thought I was watching Malcolm Sargent!
Don't forget Elgar's 2nd symphony, another titanic masterpiece dealing with ultimate existential and emotional matters, especially in the second movement - my dear music loving friend! Regards, andrea
Some conductors are terrible to look at, some others are irritating, or boring; a little part of them are beautiful, or fascinating, or simply admirable to see, like Claudio Abbado, for exemple or you, Alexander Shelley, not only handsome, but warmhearted, we can feel it, giving us, with grace and precision, this wonderful interpretation of a glorious symphony. Thank you very much.
One of the greatest symphonies composed in the XXst century, with Bernstein (the first), Roy Harris (most of them, but especally the third), William Schuman, Vaughan Williams of course, and some others... I hope they'll forgive me !
Agree. Try the equally superb and accessible symphony by Hugh Wood. The recording by Andrew Davis and the BBC SO is on RU-vid and is fully worthy of another truly great British symphony!
