William Walton, English composer (d. 1983)

Sir William Walton: A Journey Through British Classical Music

Born into a musical family in Oldham, Lancashire, on March 29, 1902, Sir William Turner Walton would become one of England's most distinguished composers. His remarkable career spanned over sixty years, a testament to his versatility and genius, seeing him craft music across a diverse spectrum of classical genres, from powerful film scores to intricate operas. From his early days as a chorister to his time as an undergraduate at Christ Church, Oxford, Walton's path was clearly marked by music. However, it was after leaving university that his artistic life truly began to flourish, thanks to the patronage and cultural mentorship of the renowned literary Sitwell siblings, who offered him not only a home but also a rich educational environment. It was his groundbreaking collaboration with Edith Sitwell, the theatrical piece titled Façade, that first thrust him into the limelight. Initially, this work garnered him a reputation as a daring modernist, challenging conventions, but its innovative spirit eventually led to its widespread appeal as a beloved ballet score, showcasing its enduring power and adaptability.

From English Shores to Italian Sun: A Composer's Evolution

As Sir William Walton entered middle age, his life took a new direction. He and his young wife, Susana, embarked on a new chapter, leaving Britain behind for the sun-drenched Italian island of Ischia. This period also marked a shift in critical perception; the once-heralded modernist was now, somewhat ironically, seen by some as old-fashioned, particularly regarding compositions from the 1950s. His ambitious, full-length opera, Troilus and Cressida, was among those works that struggled to find a lasting foothold in the repertoire of opera houses, facing similar critiques for its perceived traditionalism. Yet, the wheel of critical fortune eventually turned. Towards the end of his life, there was a significant revaluation of his entire body of work. Compositions that had been initially dismissed upon their premieres were revisited and celebrated, finally taking their rightful place alongside his earlier, more universally acclaimed pieces. This late-career resurgence cemented his legacy, demonstrating the timeless quality of his craft.

The Perfectionist's Legacy: Enduring Works and Timeless Appeal

Despite a career stretching over six decades, Sir William Walton was known for his meticulously slow and painstaking approach to composition, a true perfectionist in every sense. Consequently, his complete catalogue, while profoundly impactful, is not extensive. Yet, the quality of his output ensured its longevity. Even in the 21st century, his most popular compositions—including iconic pieces like the dramatic cantata Belshazzar's Feast, the poignant Viola Concerto, the monumental First Symphony, and the grand British coronation anthems such as Crown Imperial and Orb and Sceptre—remain frequently performed and deeply cherished by audiences worldwide. By 2010, nearly all of his masterful works had been made available on CD, allowing new generations to discover and appreciate the rich tapestry of his musical world. Walton's dedication to his craft, even if it meant a smaller output, ultimately guaranteed his enduring presence in the canon of classical music.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir William Walton

Who was Sir William Walton?

Sir William Turner Walton (1902–1983) was a highly influential English composer, renowned for his significant contributions to classical music across a sixty-year career, encompassing genres from film scores to opera.

When did Sir William Walton live and what was his career span?

He lived from March 29, 1902, to March 8, 1983. His professional composing career spanned over sixty years, from his early collaborations with the Sitwell siblings to his later life on the Italian island of Ischia.

What are some of Sir William Walton's most famous compositions?

Among his most celebrated works are the innovative Façade, the dramatic cantata Belshazzar's Feast, the evocative Viola Concerto, his powerful First Symphony, and the stirring British coronation anthems Crown Imperial and Orb and Sceptre.

How was Walton's work perceived by critics during his career?

Initially recognized as a modernist, especially after Façade, he later faced criticism in the 1950s for being "old-fashioned," with works like his opera Troilus and Cressida struggling for impact. However, in his final years, there was a significant revaluation, and his later compositions, once dismissed, were reconsidered and appreciated alongside his earlier masterpieces.

Where did Sir William Walton live for much of his later life?

In his middle age, Sir William Walton moved from Britain and established his home with his wife Susana on the picturesque Italian island of Ischia, where he continued his compositional work.