William Walton Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

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.