William Walton Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Major BarbaraWilliam Walton15rank/position

William Walton: Major Barbara (1941)

This work magnificently captures the essence of the film through its grand music.

Rooted in classical forms, it features striking melodies and harmonies that closely follow the story.

William Walton’s mastery of orchestration is on full display, unfolding music that is at times brilliant and powerful, and at other times quiet and lyrical.

Although the film has never been released in Japan, this piece—composed for the 1941 British film “Major Barbara”—was completed as planned despite the impact of the war.

It’s a highly recommended piece not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for those interested in film scores.

Johannesburg Festival OvertureWilliam Walton16rank/position

NYOS Symphony Orchestra perform Johannesburg Overture

Johannesburg Festival Overture.

Composed in 1956 for the commemorative celebration of the 70th anniversary of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Performed by the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, conducted by Michael Francis.

From Violin Concerto, Movement IWilliam Walton17rank/position

Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, 1st Movement – Sayaka Shoji

From the Violin Concerto: Movement I, Andante tranquillo.

The soloist is the Japanese prodigy violinist based in the United States, Midori Goto.

Orchestra: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra; conductor: Andris Nelsons.

From the Violin Concerto, Movement IIWilliam Walton18rank/position

Tessa Lark play Walton Violin Concerto (2nd mov Part 3) (Producer Simon)

From the Violin Concerto: Movement II, Presto capriccioso alla napolitana.

The soloist is American violinist Tessa Lark.

The orchestra is the New England Conservatory Symphony, conducted by Hugh Wolff.

From the Violin Concerto, Movement IIIWilliam Walton19rank/position

Walton, William mvt3(begin) violion concerto Vivace

It’s a masterpiece that fully brings out the violin’s allure.

Marked by a lively rhythm and bright melodies, it stands out for its dazzling performance that demands advanced technique.

Walton’s signature blend of rhythmic energy and lyricism captivates listeners.

Since its premiere in December 1939 with Jascha Heifetz as soloist, it has continued to be performed by many distinguished violinists.

It’s a recommended piece not only for classical music fans but also for anyone interested in the violin’s charm and virtuosity.

From the Viola Concerto, 1st movement: Andante comodoWilliam Walton20rank/position

Chris Lowry performs Walton’s Viola Concerto, First Movement, with the Vanderbilt Orchestra

I’d like to introduce a famous piece by William Walton that features the viola within the orchestra.

Despite the viola’s crucial role in connecting harmony, melody, and the bass line, it is rarely spotlighted as a solo instrument in orchestral music, and relatively few works suitable for today’s repertoire were written for it during the Romantic era.

Walton composed this work for Lionel Tertis, one of the foremost violists of the early 20th century, but because Tertis was not very enthusiastic, the solo part was taken up by Paul Hindemith, who was both the composer and a distinguished violist.

British composers often give a brisk, dignified impression—like Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance”—but this first movement contains many lyrical, singing passages that showcase the rich, dark tone of the viola.

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.