Walton: Viola Concerto, Sonata for String Orchestra; Hindemith Variations

William [composer] Walton (Composer), Jan Latham-Koenig (Conductor), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Jan Latham-Koenig
• Composer: William [composer] Walton
• Audio CD (March 15, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Chandos
• ASIN: B000000AQE
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #203,354 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #82 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Modern, 20th, & 21st Century > Forms & Genres > Variations

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous, Romantic, Melancholy...., June 29, 2000

By 

Eric Brinkmann (Palo Alto, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walton: Viola Concerto, Sonata for String Orchestra; Hindemith Variations (Audio CD)

This is the finest viola concerto ever written, and it is expertly performed by Imai. It's wonderful to hear such an expressive and lyrical piece played by such an expressive instrument. An extra bonus on this cd is two of Walton's more obscure pieces, both of which have their charms. I especially like the Hindemith variations.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, December 29, 2006

By 

KDS - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Walton: Viola Concerto, Sonata for String Orchestra; Hindemith Variations (Audio CD)

I have to agree with the previous reviewer in saying this is the finest viola concerto ever written. It is so far beyond other attempts, including that of his fellow countryman Vaughan-Williams. The viola is not only a difficult instrument to play well, but a very difficult instrument to make sound beautiful. It is to the the composer's as well as the soloist's efforts here that this can be credited. It is a magnificent performance, with perfect tempi throughout, absolutely gorgeous in the passionate moments, and searing in the climaxes. The balance between viola and orchestra is near perfect, especially difficult for such a weak instrument, dynamically speaking.

It must be noted that this work predates Stravinsky's violin concerto by two years. Why is this important? Because the central movement of the Walton piece could serve as a compositional template for the entire Stravinsky violin concerto. The orchestration, particularly the writing for the winds and pizzicato strings, albeit on a larger scale, obviously inspired Stravinsky in his writing of the violin concerto. It is so close, I would argue it may be a case of plagiarism on Stravinsky's part. To my knowledge, it has never been acknowledged by Stravinsky. You will be shocked when you compare them-the melodies are very different, but the orchestration techniques are virtually identical.

The viola concerto was a towering achievement for Walton, which should be MUCH better known. This recording is an excellent example.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Un gran disco., September 13, 2001

By 

Francisco J. Muńoz (Santa Cruz, Bolivia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walton: Viola Concerto, Sonata for String Orchestra; Hindemith Variations (Audio CD)

Comparto plenamente la opinión del crítico anterior que afirma que éste es el mejor Concierto para Viola, que jamás se haya escrito. La interpretación es cálida y esmerada tanto de parte de la orquesta como de la solista. Además el disco trae dos obras de Walton muy buenas, especialmente "Variations on A Theme by Hindemith for orchestra", obra ésta que gustaba mucho al propio Hindemith.