| Label: LSO Live Catalog: LSO0681 Format: SACD / CD Hybrid Sir Colin Davis; Peter Coleman-Wright (baritone), London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony OrchestraWalton Belshazzar's Feast, Symphony No 1 In 2006 LSO Live released Walton's First Symphony conducted by Sir Colin Davis. The disc received widespread acclaim - it was an Editor's Choice in Gramophone and voted CD of the Year by listeners of BBC Radio 3 CD Review. It is now being re-released, coupled with a new recording of Walton's spectacular oratorio Belshazzar's Feast. Walton's Symphony No 1 and Belshazzar's Feast, which were written consecutively, helped him consolidate his reputation as the most exciting British composer of his generation. Belshazzar's Feast, a superbly crafted oratorio, vividly depicts the story of Babylon's excesses and subsequent downfall, brilliantly coloured by the orchestral forces, including two brass bands. Similarly effervescent, volcanic sentiments simmer beneath the surface of the First Symphony, the music conveying the tensions of the 1930s, whilst remaining timeless in its appeal. LSO Live has recently released Sir Colin's recording of Verdi's Otello and the first title in his cycle of Nielsen's symphonies. Forthcoming releases include Haydn's The Seasons. Other recent LSO Live titles include music by Ravel conducted by Valery Gergiev. Gergiev also conducts Mahler's Symphony No 5 which will be released in February 2011, the eighth title in his award-winning Mahler cycle. Sir Colin conducts the LSO in London in February and March 2011 as well as touring in Europe and the USA with the orchestra later in the year. He makes rare international conducting appearances with the Boston Symphony in April 2011.
Reviews Disc of the Week "an outstanding bargain ... The LSO Chorus give Walton's grateful choral writing all they have, and the orchestra revel in his brilliant and unconventional orchestration. Davis, too, proves an absolutely authentic performer" Sunday Times (UK) 9/9 "it comes in tandem with an absolutely smoking version of Belshazzar's Feast, easily the finest performance in a decade or so, and the combination of the two earns this particular pairing a firm recommendation" ClassicsToday (USA)
***** Audiophile Audition (USA) |