Conductor John Wilson's latest album with Sinfonia of London has catapulted William Walton's music into the spotlight. The disc's crowning jewel is undoubtedly a riveting rendition of Walton's final concerto, where Principal cellist Jonathan Aasgaard delivers a breathtaking performance.
Aasgaard's virtuosic technique is showcased in the central Allegro appassionato, its intense passages executed with crystalline clarity and emotional depth. Meanwhile, his tone remains remarkably generous throughout, imbuing the music with a poignant sense of introspective melancholy.
The opening movement's brooding tension is masterfully coaxed from Wilson's orchestra, which delivers with precision and authority. The "con malizia" scherzo is a particular highlight, its snarling rhythms and excoriating detail making for a thrilling listen. Elsewhere, the slow movement is quietly affecting, while the finale, replete with 'Technicolor' fanfares, finally feels fully earned.
In contrast to some previous recordings of Walton's First Symphony, Wilson's approach stands out for its sure-footed pacing and effortless assurance. Chandos's detailed recording serves as a perfect partner to Wilson's skillful guidance, yielding an unimpeachable performance that ranks among the best in recent memory.
A true standout is the Scapino Overture, which positively snaps, crackles and pops with energy and vitality. It's clear that Walton's music is being cherished by conductor John Wilson and his orchestra, who have coaxed a level of precision and authority from their performances that feels truly exceptional.
Overall, this album offers a compelling testament to the enduring legacy of William Walton's works, with each piece showcasing the artist's trademark mastery of orchestration and emotional resonance.
Aasgaard's virtuosic technique is showcased in the central Allegro appassionato, its intense passages executed with crystalline clarity and emotional depth. Meanwhile, his tone remains remarkably generous throughout, imbuing the music with a poignant sense of introspective melancholy.
The opening movement's brooding tension is masterfully coaxed from Wilson's orchestra, which delivers with precision and authority. The "con malizia" scherzo is a particular highlight, its snarling rhythms and excoriating detail making for a thrilling listen. Elsewhere, the slow movement is quietly affecting, while the finale, replete with 'Technicolor' fanfares, finally feels fully earned.
In contrast to some previous recordings of Walton's First Symphony, Wilson's approach stands out for its sure-footed pacing and effortless assurance. Chandos's detailed recording serves as a perfect partner to Wilson's skillful guidance, yielding an unimpeachable performance that ranks among the best in recent memory.
A true standout is the Scapino Overture, which positively snaps, crackles and pops with energy and vitality. It's clear that Walton's music is being cherished by conductor John Wilson and his orchestra, who have coaxed a level of precision and authority from their performances that feels truly exceptional.
Overall, this album offers a compelling testament to the enduring legacy of William Walton's works, with each piece showcasing the artist's trademark mastery of orchestration and emotional resonance.
conductor john wilson is like the ultimate team player (that's where i get my name from lol) he brings out the best in his orchestra & lets them shine 
especially jonathan aasgaard's cello skills are insane! he's got that perfect balance of power & sensitivity... any fan of classical music needs to check this out ASAP 
. The 'Technicolor' fanfares in the finale are amazing, but they kinda feel like an afterthought? And what's up with the Scapino Overture being so hyper-energized - Walton didn't exactly write that kind of music 
!
. Seriously though, Walton's music is amazing and it's great to see him getting the recognition he deserves. That conductor must be like a magician, making all those old pieces sound fresh and new 
. And who knew cellists could make a violinist jealous? 
But, tbh, I've always been a fan of his First Symphony... Wilson's approach might be sure-footed, but it doesn't entirely escape the criticisms of being overly polished. A little bit of grit and nuance would've taken this album to the next level, you know? 
Still, the Scapino Overture is on point, and Jonathan Aasgaard is a total rockstar! 
. And can we talk about that Scapino Overture? It's like a breath of fresh air 
. I've been listening to it on repeat all day 
. Wilson's got this effortless magic when it comes to orchestrating Walton's music, don't you think? 
. Has anyone else been enjoying this album as much as I have? 
Either way, I'm loving every minute of it! The music is amazing, but let's not get too caught up in the surface level... there's more to this story than we're being told 
. They're just trying to push Walton's work into our faces and make us forget about the other great composers out there... mark my words, it's all a clever PR stunt 
... it's also about how the music speaks to you on a deeper level, right? It's like our emotions are timeless, and Walton's composition somehow taps into that. Anyway, this album has me pondering what makes great art endure for centuries...
this album is def one of the best recs for Walton fans! 
, Jonathan Aasgaard's cell playing is so soulful and emotive it's like he's telling a story through his instrument 
. The whole album is so well-paced and the orchestra sounds on fire 
! I'm also loving that Scapino Overture, it's like a breath of fresh air 
. Walton's music might not be as widely known as some other classical composers, but with conductors like John Wilson pushing his work forward, I think we're in for a treat 
. Can't wait to listen to more!