William Walton Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

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.

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.