Search - William [composer] Walton, Bryden Thomson, London Philharmonic Orchestra :: Walton: Symphony No. 2/Suite: Troilus And Cressida

Walton's Second Symphony was given short shrift when it appeared, since it seemed to lack the dramatic urgency of his First--and indeed it does. It's more lush and exotic than dynamic, but that's no great defect, and the music shows the composer's characteristically high level of craftsmanship at every point. It was championed by no less than George Szell, who recorded it with his incomparable Cleveland Orchestra, but that CD has not been released domestically (Szell freaks can order it from the UK, where it's been recently issued). On the other hand, this performance is quite fine as well, and you also get a marvelous symphonic suite form Walton's only full-length opera. So there's no need to hesitate. --David Hurwitz