Skip to main contentSkip to navigationSkip to navigation

The six greatest works of William Walton

This article is more than 23 years old
Facade (1922)

Belshazzar's Feast (1931)
Oratorio based on Old Testament story for baritone soloist, large chorus and orchestra with extra brass.

Viola concerto (1929)
Written for famed soloist Lionel Tertis who refused to play it. Premiered at the Proms by the composer Paul Hindemith.

First symphony (1935)
Mostly fast and furious; first performed in 1934 without unfinished finale. Walton is alleged to have said: "With this I may be able to knock [composer Sir Arnold] Bax off the map."

Henry V (1944), Hamlet (1947), Richard III (1955)
Scores for Olivier's Shakespeare films.

Spitfire Prelude and Fugue (1942)
Part of film score for The First of the Few, about the designer of the fighter plane.

Explore more on these topics

Most viewed

Most viewed