Henry V is the heroic score Walton provided for Laurence Olivier’s film of Shakespeare’s Henry V, stirring patriotic feelings during World War II. Tonight we get a rare chance to enjoy the chamber ensemble reduction by Ted Watson, a musician connected so strongly with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Walton – Henry V
Conductor – Bruce O’Neil
Narrator – Kevin Whately
Choir: Papagena and friends
Façade Concert
William Walton was only 19 when he composed Façade, jazzy settings of surreal poetry by Edith Sitwell. Narrated through a megaphone from behind a painted curtain its premiere 100 years ago caused a furore. Today it is appreciated as one of the most delicious works in the English music catalogue.
Britten – Red Cockatoo
Walton – Façade
Conductor – Bruce O’Neil
Reciters – Tamsin Dalley & Roderick Williams