Walton: Symphony No. 1 / Scapino / Siesta

CD Details

William Walton’s Symphony No. 1, completed in 1935, stands as one of the finest symphonic works by a twentieth-century British composer. The final movement was composed years after the opening sections, creating an intriguing structural contrast that somehow enhances rather than diminishes the work’s power. This album pairs the symphony with two shorter orchestral pieces: the spirited Scapino overture and the intimate Siesta for small orchestra, showcasing different facets of Walton’s compositional voice.

This single-disc CD release comes from Allegro Corporation and Arte Nova Classics. Despite its budget-label origins, this recording competes favorably with more expensive versions and appeals to both longtime Walton enthusiasts and those discovering his music for the first time. Own this well-regarded performance on physical media at a used price.