William Walton Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

From String Quartet No. 2, Movement IIWilliam Walton31rank/position

Walton String Qt. in A Minor 2nd mvt

From String Quartet No.

2 in A Minor, Movement II: Presto.

Performed by the Meadowmount School of Music.

Violin: Douglas Kwon, Lee Sihan; Viola: Miriam Barfield; Cello: Clayton Vaughn.

From String Quartet No. 2, Movement IIIWilliam Walton32rank/position

William Walton String Quartet – Movement III (part a)

From String Quartet No.

2 in A minor, Movement III: Lento.

Performed by the Chroma Quartet.

Violin: Jennifer Best and Christopher Takeda; Viola: Michael McClelland; Cello: Abe Feder.

From String Quartet No. 2, Movement IVWilliam Walton33rank/position

Walton String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Finale

From String Quartet No.

2 in A Minor, Fourth Movement: Allegro molto.

Performed by Quartet Fuoco.

Violin: Rachel Stenzel, Aidan Perreault; Viola: David Berghoff; Cello: Chris Gao.

Coronation March “The Crown”William Walton34rank/position

Walton – Crown Imperial [Fennell, TKWO]

Sir William Walton left behind numerous masterpieces, and here I would like to introduce one of his representative works, the Coronation March Crown Imperial.

It was originally composed for the coronation of Edward VIII, but after Edward VIII abdicated, it was performed at the coronation of his successor, George VI.

This march has a distinctly British flavor.

The original is scored for full orchestra including strings, but it has been arranged for wind band and is well loved in that repertoire as well.

British marches feature distinctive accents and rests, making them more than simple on- and off-beat patterns; the beautiful chorale in the middle section also calls to mind Edward Elgar, the British composer famed for Pomp and Circumstance.

The main theme returns in the recapitulation, and the piece concludes with a grand fanfare.

It is a celebrated work that enjoys great popularity among performers.

Funeral March from the film HamletWilliam Walton35rank/position

Hamlet – Funeral March

This is one of William Walton’s signature works, whose majestic melodies strike straight to the heart.

Composed for the film Hamlet, it accompanies the funeral scene of the protagonist’s father.

Notable for its weighty orchestration, it powerfully conveys grief and a sense of loss.

The piece communicates emotion through music rather than words, heightening the film’s tragic atmosphere.

Used in the 1948 release, it was later arranged for concert performance.

It’s a recommended listen for those interested in Shakespeare’s works or the allure of film music.

Suite “Battle of Britain”William Walton36rank/position

Battle of Britain Suite – (BBC Proms)

Are you looking for a cool, electrifying orchestral suite? I have a masterpiece I’d love to recommend: the suite “Battle of Britain” by the British composer William Walton.

It’s the film music for the 1969 movie “Battle of Britain,” which focuses on the aerial battles between the German Luftwaffe and the British Royal Air Force during World War II.

Although it’s categorized as film music, the film’s director, Guy Hamilton, actually didn’t like Walton’s score and commissioned film composer Ron Goodwin to write a new one, so only about one piece of Walton’s music was ultimately used.

The suite consists of two movements—Movement I: “Spitfire Music – Battle in the Air” and Movement II: “March Introduction – Siegfried Music”—and it’s brimming with swagger and romance.

Suite ‘Henry V’William Walton37rank/position

Walton Suite from Henry V Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Jay Friedman Conductor

A masterpiece by a composer who represents the British music scene.

It is based on music written for the film Henry V and showcases William Walton’s talent to the fullest.

It superbly captures the gravitas of Shakespeare’s work and its historical setting, further enhancing the film’s most moving scenes.

Since the film’s release in 1944, it has also been popular as a standalone suite, widely loved by classical music fans.

Characterized by grand, powerful orchestration, it skillfully depicts the film’s world through music.

The work is praised for its artistic quality that transcends the bounds of film music, making it a highly recommended piece even for those new to classical music.