William Walton Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

From the Viola Concerto, Movement II: Vivo, con molto precisoWilliam Walton21rank/position

Walton Viola Concerto, 2. Vivo, e molto preciso – Jasper Snow, viola

From the Viola Concerto, Movement II: Vivo e molto preciso.

The soloist is Jasper Snow from Houston, Texas.

Performing with the Houston Symphony, conducted by Robert Franz.

Live performance at Jones Hall.

From the Viola Concerto, Movement III: Allegro moderatoWilliam Walton22rank/position

Walton Viola Concerto 3rd mvt | Marc Sabbah

Let me introduce a famous piece that features the viola, created by the British composer Sir William Walton, well known for his film scores and wind band works.

This Viola Concerto was composed for Lionel Tertis, one of the leading violists of the early 20th century.

Although the viola plays an important role in the orchestra, it rarely takes the spotlight, and despite some notable works, the frequently performed repertoire was not extensive.

Walton, however, produced a memorable, accessible, and stylish masterpiece.

The concerto is in three movements, and this is the third and final movement.

It begins with a solo passage for timpani and bassoon with orchestral accompaniment, after which the viola solo enters, taking over the melody.

A forceful tutti section appears in the middle, and the piece concludes by returning to the viola solo, ending with double stops.

It’s an especially recommended masterpiece for players looking for a viola concerto.

Symphony No. 1 in B-flat minor, Movement I: Allegro assaiWilliam Walton23rank/position

Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat Minor: I. Allegro assai

This is a symphony by the British composer William Walton.

He was active from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, and the work was commissioned by the conductor Hamilton Harty.

It is in four movements; the first movement, Allegro assai, has a brisk character and exudes the quintessential feel of an English symphony.

Completed in 1935, the piece took time because Walton was a slow writer and a perfectionist, so at the premiere Harty reportedly performed only the first through third movements.

When you listen to it, it’s so strikingly cool that you can understand why Harty couldn’t wait.

Symphony No. 1 in B-flat minor, Movement II: Scherzo: Presto con maliziaWilliam Walton24rank/position

Bychkov conducts Walton Symphony No.1, Movement 2, WDR-SO (2009) – YouTube.flv

A masterpiece that breathed new life into the world of classical music—this is that piece.

Marked by powerful, razor-sharp rhythms and an instruction to play “with malice,” it conveys a sense of irony and mockery.

Dominated by a rapid tempo and incisive pulses, it exudes instability and an ominous atmosphere.

At its premiere on November 6, 1935, at London’s Queen’s Hall, it received high praise from both audiences and critics.

It’s recommended not only for fans of classical music but also for those interested in contemporary music.

It is acclaimed as a work of deep expressiveness that reflects the turbulent social climate of the 20th century.

Symphony No. 1 in B-flat minor, Movement III: Andante con malinconiaWilliam Walton25rank/position

Bychkov conducts Walton Symphony No.1, Movement 3 by WDR-SO (2009) – YouTube.flv

The third movement of William Walton’s Symphony No.

1 is a masterpiece that exudes a serene, introspective atmosphere.

As indicated by its title, which means “with a sorrowful tread,” the movement has a melancholic character.

The orchestration, rich in expressive nuance, draws out complex emotions, with the string, woodwind, and brass sections intertwining skillfully.

The work received its premiere at Queen’s Hall in London in November 1935.

Encouraging quiet introspection, this movement is recommended for those who wish to savor deep emotional expression.

Symphony No. 1 in B-flat minor, IV. Maestoso – AllegroWilliam Walton26rank/position

Semyon Bychkov conducts Walton Symphony No.1, Movement 4, WDR-SO (2009) – YouTube.flv

This is the fourth movement of William Walton’s Symphony No.

1, a signature work by a composer who represents the British music scene of the 20th century.

Forming a grand climax, this movement is marked by powerful expressiveness and dynamism.

Its structure transitions from a weighty Maestoso to a brisk Allegro, prominently showcasing Walton’s distinctive contrasts and intense emotional expression.

At its premiere in London on November 6, 1935, it was highly acclaimed by both audiences and critics.

Through the music, Walton conveys personal turning points and joy, making this a piece I highly recommend not only to fans of classical music but also to anyone who wants to enjoy orchestral music that blends strength with delicacy.

The Jewel and the ScepterWilliam Walton27rank/position

Walton: Coronation March “Crown Imperial” [Naxos Classical Curations #Gorgeous]

This is a march composed to celebrate the coronation of Elizabeth II.

It is characterized by a brilliant and majestic atmosphere, beginning with a trumpet fanfare and building a grand sonority with the full orchestra.

The middle section unfolds into a gentle passage led by the string ensemble, and the piece concludes with a rapid coda.

Cherished as ceremonial music associated with the British Royal Family, it has been performed at many official events.

This work is a masterpiece that leaves a powerful impression, evoking the dignity of the monarchy and a sense of national unity.

It is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for those interested in British culture and history.

Overture ‘Portsmouth Point’William Walton28rank/position

The University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays Walton’s Portsmouth Point Overture

This is an overture that portrays the lively atmosphere of the British port city of Portsmouth.

Through complex, varied rhythms, abrupt tempo changes, and syncopation, it captures the bustling, chaotic character of the harbor town.

Featuring a brilliant orchestration that highlights the brass section, it sounds as if the town’s clamor is depicted through music.

Premiered in Zurich on June 22, 1926, it established international recognition.

The work is regarded as an important piece that contributed to the modernization of British music.

It’s recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for anyone who enjoys energetic music.

Overture “Richard III”William Walton29rank/position

William Walton: Richard III (Prelude) (1955)

Composed by William Walton for the film Richard III, this piece expresses a grand and tragic narrative through music.

Based on Shakespeare’s play, it portrays Richard III’s ambition and intrigue—and his final catastrophic fate—through powerful orchestration.

With skillful use of brass and percussion to depict the chaos of war and struggles for power, it also weaves in melodies that symbolize the characters’ tragic destinies.

Since the film’s 1955 release, it has become a beloved work in classical concert halls.

Highly recommended for those interested in Shakespeare or historical drama, and for anyone who wants to experience the allure of film music.

From Sonata for Strings, 1st MovementWilliam Walton30rank/position

Walton: Sonata for Strings – 1. Allegro

From Sonata for Strings, Movement I: Allegro.

This is Walton’s arrangement of his String Quartet No.

2 for string orchestra.

Performed by the Rhine-Neckar Chamber Philharmonic, conducted by Thomas Kalb.

Recorded live at the Heidelberg Stadthalle.