Walton: Belshazzar's Feast

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Walton’s searing oratorio, Belshazzar’s Feast, written for baritone, chorus and a huge orchestra with an augmented brass section, takes as its subject the scene from the Bible (Book of Daniel) in which, at King Belshazzar’s Feast, a hand appears and prophetically writes a doom laden message on the wall. Often compared on account of its pulsating drive and barbaric splendour with Orff’s Carmina Burana, Belshazzar’s Feast is now regarded as the finest British large-scale choral work since Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius.

Tracks:

Belshazzar's Feast
I. (Psalm 108:2-Psalm 100, Entire) - Derek Lee Ragin
II. (Psalm 23, Entire-Psalm 2:1-4) - Derek Lee Ragin
III. (Psalm 131, Entire-Psalm 133:1) - Derek Lee Ragin
Kyrie
Gloria
Sanctus
Benedictus
Agnus Dei
Dona Nobis Pacem

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Outlandish Choral Works.......2006-04-01

Leonard Bernstein and William Walton were diverse composers, utilizing a variety of techniques, not only of their own time, but also from the past. Their most famous large-scale choral works are represented on this disk, works masterfully displaying their individualized styles: Walton's Belshazzar's Feast and Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and Missa Brevis.

Walton's 37-minute oratorio, Belshazzar's Feast, is scored for large orchestra, including saxophone, two additional brass bands, a multitude of percussion (slapstick, anvil, castanets, xylophone, etc.), piano, organ, as well as a double chorus and baritone soloist. The text conveys the story of the Babylonian captivity and King Belshazzar/Nebuchadnezzar. The work features stunning choral writing, seen at the outstart for a cappella choir which first sets the scene and mood. The action moves to the pagan feast of King Belshazzar and their worshipping of heathen idols, an orgiastic musical setting of great invention. The famous "handwriting on the wall" is proclaimed by the baritone soloist, before a joyous exaltation of Alleluia's directed to the end of Israel's captivity. A great variety of choral writing is implemented throughout, including both orchestral and a cappella settings; lush chorales, grand fugues, and everything inbetween; all very difficult to perform, occasional colorings of dissonance, polytonality, and "English"-isms, and colorful, dramatic, music. Of interest, is the orgiastic feast praising the various metallurgical gods (featuring the outlandish orchestration) and the unashamedly English sounding, joyous conclusion. My love of this oratorio is unparalleled, intimate musical settings vs. extroverted, and is well programmed with the Bernstein compositions.

Commissioned for the Cathedral of Chichester, the Dean asked for something which would bring the spirit of West Side Story to a religious perspective. Chichester Psalms is just that and more. The text is from Psalms, but sung in Hebrew, and unusual choice for an English cathedral. After a forceful, angular, dissonant introduction, a whimsical dance is taken up in 7/4 time, sometimes forceful, other times light, altogether it is a riot. The second movement features, on this recording, a solo counter-tenor; a beautiful and emotional musical rendering, the simplicity of the harmonic movement and subtle jazz inflections, and scoring for women's voices is breathtaking. A frantic patter song takes over and eventually the two contrasting textures overlap. A re-orchestrated version of the opening begins the 3rd movement, angular and dissonant. But a peacefully flowing melody, first heard in men's voices with not-so subtle chromatic shifting of harmonies, brings the work to an uplifting close. Scored for large orchestra, Bernstein also dramatically shifts between outlandishly grandiose to simple intimate settings of orchestra and voice; a master of drama, this choral work is a sentimental and moving choral work. The unusual Missa Brevis, "Short Mass", also by Bernstein, was music originally written for a drama about Joan of Arc. The music is ancient and medieval sounding, rather transparent, scored for chorus, solo counter-tenor, and percussion only, the medieval rhythms and modern polytonality create quite a unique work. Both works are about 19 minutes long.

These highly dramatic and unique compositions by Leonard Bernstein and William Walton for chorus and large orchestra are masterfully performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under Robert Shaw. The astounding Telarc sonics make every orchestral voice and every vocal sound (text and tone) sound exceedingly clear. In addition, there is a feeling of unbridled passion which bristles throughout these works. While in the scheme of musical history these may seem minor works, they have grown to become my favorites; a great recommendation for some different, superb, dramatic choral works and performances.

One of Shaw's finest.......2005-11-26

A label on this CD proclaims "Grammy winner" (1990, Best Choral Performance). This disc definitely earned it.

Obviously, the main attraction is "Belshazzar's Feast," which here gets one of its finest recordings. Everyone rises to the occasion: the recording is incredibly well-detailed, with dozens of tiny little nuances missing in other recordings (the drum beat in the final "Sing aloud to the God of Jacob," to mention but one), and nearly flawless diction and intonation from the chorus.

The CD then adds two additional works by Bernstein, both of which receive noteworthy recordings here. Shaw's performance of the first, "Chichester Psalms", amply demonstrates its heritage in Bernstein's musicals (the first movement is from an abandoned musical, and the second a discarded chorus from "West Side Story"), while the second, the "Missa Brevis," receives its world premiere recording (and possibly its only recording).

In short: if you are a fan of Walton, Bernstein, or Shaw, you should definitely enjoy this disc.

The second best recording.......2005-07-01

There is much to like here. The diction and execution and marvelous. The hushed passages are amazing.

Yet, I rank this below the Previn RPO recording of several decades ago. In that recording the complexity of the structure becomes greater than the sum of the parts, and the ending will make you want to dance (it is after all a dance movement at heart).

Since the Previn is out of print, this recording is the way to go.

Chichester Psalms, by the way, has not had a more brilliant recording. This is vibrant, stunning, and thoughtful.

WOW!.......2003-05-24

I first heard this recording of the Walton "Feast" on a local classical station, and rushed out the next day to purchase it. It has been one of my "4 Favorite Pieces", and I have been blessed to have performed it twice. It is horrendously difficult to perform for both choir and orchestra, which makes me appreciate the Shaw recording even more. But for the listener, this is still a thrilling recording. I like to think of Shaw's interpretation as relentless: he never lets you go from the opening horn fanfare. The diction of the chorus never suffers from tempo, and the brass is spectacular. What is even more thrilling is to realize that Shaw set up his chorus and orchestra as the score demands: 2 seperate choruses and 2 seperate brass choirs. It is loud, it is bellicose, and it is gentle. The choir whispers the section "The trumpeters and pipers" all the way to the end of that section "shall shine no more." Married with this wonderful recording is the Bernstein "Chichester Psalms", a seldom heard but worthy piece of music. It is rousing, robust, and tender.

I Love Bernstein!.......2002-05-12

Chichester Psalms is hard to find. This piece deserves more credit than recieved. Written by Bernstein for Chichester Cathedral, the hebrew language really brings out the the overall meaning of the three movements. It's a very powerful work he's written and I think Robert Shaw does a fine job conducting this. The dynamics, tempo, and everything is nearly perfect! The Atlanta Symphony does a fantastic job as well. Be sure to keep your hand on the volume because the dynamic contrast is incredible! Just as it should be.

Last Night Of The Proms The 100th Season

Average customer rating:

Someone shoot that idiot with the popgun
POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE - RULE BRITANNIA
A Powerful Performance of Belshazzar's Feast

Last Night Of The Proms The 100th Season

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Ultimate Last Night of the Proms
Rule Britannia and Other Music from Last Night of the Proms

ASIN: B000000SPX
Release Date: 1995-03-07

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue In D minor, BWV 565
Belshazzar's Feast
Belshazzar's Feast
Belshazzar's Feast
Belshazzar's Feast
Belshazzar's Feast
Belshazzar's Feast
Belshazzar's Feast
Belshazzar's Feast
Belshazzar's Feast
Marimba Spiritual
Mtation From Tha
Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 'Land Of Hope & Glory'
Fantasia On British Sea Songs
Rule Britannia!
Jerusalem

Customer Reviews:

Someone shoot that idiot with the popgun.......2002-06-07

It isn't easy to record the Last Night of the Proms.

An essential part of the experience is the audience participation - clapping in time to the Sailor's Hornpipe, bellowing out the chorus of Rule Britannia, the amazing sound of 7,000 people singing Parry's Jerusalem, even the occasional hoots, bangs and other interruptions (as long as they're occasional). It's important to capture this, otherwise all you get is a concert.

Unfortunately this recording seems biased towards the audience. The orchestral sound was muddy, but every pop, squeak, hoot from the audience was crystal clear. Towards the end I was hoping that someone would strangle the idiot with the popgun who was sitting to the right of the auditorium, and interrupting all the quieter passages.

Oh well - put it down to the acoustics of the Albert hall.

I still enjoyed the recording.

POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE - RULE BRITANNIA.......2000-07-07

WITHOUT A DOUBT THE MOST ROUSING CHORAL VERSION OF THESE TWO WORKS EVER RECORDED. BRYN TERFEL'S RENDITION OF RULE BRITANNIA LITERALLY BRINGS DOWN THE HOUSE WHILE THE ELGAR WILL BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES.

A Powerful Performance of Belshazzar's Feast.......2000-06-01

The performance made of Belshazzar's Feast at this Prom concert is the best I have heard. Having played in a performance of this work, I can attest to its difficulty, yet the BBC Symphony, Singers, Chorus, Bryn Terfel, and Andrew Davis make it sound effortless. The final moments of the work, as the chorus sings of the Israelites jubilation at the fall of Babylon, are some of the most astounding I've heard on a recording.

Walton:Behshazzar's Feast/Portsmouth Point/Scapino/Imporvisations On An Impormptu Of Benjamin Britten

Average customer rating:

Walton's Masterpiece and Other Fun Stuff

Walton:Behshazzar's Feast/Portsmouth Point/Scapino/Imporvisations On An Impormptu Of Benjamin Britten

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000DOCT
Release Date: 1993-06-08

Tracks:

Thus Spake Isaiah
If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem
By The Waters Of Babylon
Babylon Was A Great City
Praise Ye The God Of Gold
Thus In Babylon The Mighty City
And In That Same Hour, As They Feasted
Then Sing Aloud To God Our Strength
The Trumpeters An Pipers Are Silent
Then Sing Aloud To God Our Strength
Overture - Andre Previn
Comedy Overture - Andre Previn
Improvisations On An Impromptu Of Benjamin Britten - Andre Previn

Customer Reviews:

Walton's Masterpiece and Other Fun Stuff.......2003-04-24

William Walton is a late interest of mine. Of course I've known his work for years, mostly through the film music for the Olivier Shakespeare plays, but I had never developed much of an interest until recently. All I can say, now having developed the taste for this composer, is that Sir William is definately worthy to be mentioned in the same breath with RVW and Benjamin Britten as England's greatest composer.

The large work on this CD is Belshazzar's Feast, for soloists chorus and orchestra. The work is a classic of the choral repertoire but one that I had not heard previously. This is not in the liturgical oratorio tradition. Rather it is a full scale exotic wonderland. Walton's idiom is vibrant...tonal, spiced with unusual harmony, lively and infectious. The choral writing is a marvel of balance. Not a deeply moving work, this is rather a feast for the senses and joyous to listen to.

The rest of the disc is comprised of orchestral music. The Portsmouth Point overture is familiar to me. This is often one Walton work that gets a fair amount of play, as it makes a terrific curtain opener on a concert program. It is jazzy, bold and vivacious, a truly enjoyable work. Likewise Scapino, wholely enjoyable work that makes an art of high spirits.

The Improvisation is another story. Taken from a rather somber Britten work, this is Walton in an elegaic mode. It's a haunting work and very beautiful, showing that Walton was capable of great beauty and depth of feeling as well as high spirits.

Customer Reviews:

Bargain-priced overview.......2006-12-01

This 4 CD set has some enjoyable, stirring music superbly performed, including Scapino, an overture in the form of a symphonic scherzo, the deservedly popular Crown Imperial and his moving viola concerto.

I was surprised to find that the opening music in his Facade is the theme music chosen for Michael Palin's hilarious Ripping Yarns, but disappointed at first when I realised that the Suite is entirely orchestral and does not include the Sitwell poems. But the music stands on its own very well, and I suppose I shall have to later invest in a CD which does include the quirky poetry.

Bryn Terfel does a great job as narrator in Belshazzar's Feast, which was previously the only other Walton work familiar to me.

Highly recommended.

Tracks listing for this CD.......2004-07-13

CD BOX

Disc 1:
1. Moderato [Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra]
2. Allegro appassionato [Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra]
3. Lento [Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra]
4. Allegro assai [Symphony No.1]
5. Presto, con malizia [Symphony No.1]
6. Andante [Symphony No.1]
7. Maestoso - Brioso ed ardentemente [Symphony No.1]

Disc 2:
1. Scapino - A Comedy Overture
2. Andante tranquilo [Concerto for Violin & Orchestra]
3. Presto capriccioso alla napolitana [Concerto for Violin & Orchestra]
4. Vivace [Concerto for Violin & Orchestra]
5. Allegro molto [Symphony No.2]
6. Lento assai [Symphony No.2]
7. Passacaglia: Theme, Variations, Fugato & Coda [Symphony No.2]

Disc 3:
1. Fanfare [Façade: Suite No.2 for Orchestra]
2. Scotch Rhapsody [Façade: Suite No.2 for Orchestra]
3. Valse [Façade: Suite No.1 for Orchestra]
4. Tango-Pasodoble [Façade: Suite No.1 for Orchestra]
5. Swiss Yodelling Song [Façade: Suite No.1 for Orchestra]
6. Country Dance [Façade: Suite No.2 for Orchestra]
7. Polka [Façade: Suite No.1 for Orchestra]
8. Noche Espagnole [Façade: Suite No.2 for Orchestra]
9. Popular Song [Façade: Suite No.2 for Orchestra]
10. Old Sir Faulk [Façade: Suite No.2 for Orchestra]
11. Tarantelle Sevillana [Façade: Suite No.1 for Orchestra]
12. Andante comodo [Concerto for Viola and Orchestra (1929)]
13. Vivo con molto preciso [Concerto for Viola and Orchestra (1929)]
14. Allegro moderato [Concerto for Viola and Orchestra (1929)]
15. Tema [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]
16. Variation I [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]
17. Variation II [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]
18. Variation III [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]
19. Variation IV [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]
20. Variation V [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]
21. Variation VI [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]
22. Variation VII [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]
23. Variation VIII [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]
24. Variation IX [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]
25. Finale [Variations on a theme by Hindemith]

Disc 4:
1. Crown Imperial: A Coronation March
2. Thus spake Isaiah [Belshazzar's Feast]
3. If I forget thee [Belshazzar's Feast]
4. Babylon was a great city [Belshazzar's Feast]
5. In Babylon Belshazzar the King [Belshazzar's Feast]
6. Praise ye, the God of gold [Belshazzar's Feast]
7. Thus in Babylon the mighty city [Belshazzar's Feast]
8. And in that same hour [Belshazzar's Feast]
9. Then sing aloud to God our strength [Belshazzar's Feast]
10. The trumpeters and pipers [Belshazzar's Feast]
11. 10. Then sing aloud to God our strength [Belshazzar's Feast]
12. Coronation Te Deum
13. Overture - The Globe Playhouse [Suite from "Henry V" - Concert Suite from Film Score - Arr. Muir Mathieson (Excerpts)]
14. Passacaglia - The Death of Falstaff [Suite from "Henry V" - Concert Suite from Film Score - Arr. Muir Mathieson (Excerpts)]
15. Charge and Battle of Agincourt [Suite from "Henry V" - Concert Suite from Film Score - Arr. Muir Mathieson (Excerpts)]
16. Touch her soft lips, and part; [Suite from "Henry V" - Concert Suite from Film Score - Arr. Muir Mathieson (Excerpts)]
17. Agincourt Song [Suite from "Henry V" - Concert Suite from Film Score - Arr. Muir Mathieson (Excerpts)]
18. Orb and Sceptre

Walton: Belshazzar's Feast / Symphony No. 1
Average customer rating:

FINALLY AN OUTSTANDING BELSHAZZAR'S RECORDING

As great a pleasure to hear as it was to make!

Fantastic

Walton: Belshazzar's Feast / Symphony No. 1
City of Birmingham Symphony , and Simon Rattle
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000C2JG
Release Date: 1998-10-06

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Minor: I: Allegro assai
Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Minor: II: Presto, con malizia
Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Minor: III: Andante con malinconia
Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Minor: IV: Maestoso - Brioso ed ardentemente - Vivacissimo - Maestoso
Belshazzar's Feast: Thus Spake Isaiah (Maestoso)
Belshazzar's Feast: Babylon Was A Great City (Quasi recitativo)
Belshazzar's Feast: Thus In Babylon, The Mighty City (Allegro molot)
Belshazzar's Feast: And In That Same Hour As They Feasted (Quasi recitativo)
Belshazzar's Feast: Then Sing Aloud To God Our Strength (Lento - Allegro giocoso)
Belshazzar's Feast: Then Sing Aloud To God Our Strength (Allegro)

Amazon.com

EMI has very wisely re-coupled Rattle's good, but not great, recording of Walton's First Symphony to a spectacular performance of Belshazzar's Feast, the composer's most popular work. The result is really more than the sum of its parts--an excellent introduction to the composer and his work. In fact, even the performance of the First Symphony somehow gains in stature from being paired with the oratorio, with Rattle's essentially lyrical conception of the piece nicely complementing the no-holds-barred choral and orchestra hysteria of the cantata. In the later work, he captures more detail in the instrumental parts than just about any other conductor, but never at the expense of the big picture, and his rhythmic discipline is second to none. The recorded sound also has tremendous amplitude and immediacy. A great recording. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

FINALLY AN OUTSTANDING BELSHAZZAR'S RECORDING.......2002-01-16

I purchased this recording solely for the Belshazzar's Feast and that is what this review is based on.

I am not a fan of William Walton. I fear he has been overrated on the whole, but Belshazzar's Feast is certainly one of his better compositions. I've sung this oratorio twice, and it is a very, very difficult piece of music for both singer and instrumentalist.

Learning notes, rythmn, etc. is only the beginning. Interjecting the piece with all the drama, dynamics, and energy it requires is a monumental task for any chorus and orchestra. The performing forces combined to produce this recording are truly exceptional, especially the chorus. Crisp diction, unyielding attention to rythmn and dynamics turns this potentially wall of noise into a most enjoyable musical experience.

It will be hard for you not to have chills at the end of this one!!

As great a pleasure to hear as it was to make!.......1998-11-08

Another member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus would like to chime in here - working with Sir Simon and the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus was a thrilling experience, and Sir Simon's brilliant direction of the orchestra and the (ENORMOUS) double chorus shine through exquisitely in the recording. The tempos are every bit as manic as I remember them and the work still retains its clarity and impact. Bravo Birmingham and many thanks to EMI-Angel. Overall rating: UNFORGETTABLE!

Fantastic.......1998-10-28

As a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus joining with the Birmingham Symphony and Chorus to create this work was a wonderful experience. Hearing the finished product is even more thrilling. The tonal quality is excellent. Words are crisp and clean. Orchestra timbre never overshadowing the chorus. Truly a feast for the ears!

Walton: Belshazzar's Feast; Coronation Te Deum; Gloria

Average customer rating:

More than impressive

Walton: Belshazzar's Feast; Coronation Te Deum; Gloria

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000AJ5
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

Belshazzar's Feast: Thus Spake Isaiah
Belshazzar's Feast: If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem
Belshazzar's Feast: Babylon Was A Great City
Belshazzar's Feast: Praise Ye
Belshazzar's Feast: Thus In Babylon
Belshazzar's Feast: And In That Same Hour
Belshazzar's Feast: Then Sing Aloud To God
Belshazzar's Feast: The Trumpeters And Pipers Are Silent
Belshazzar's Feast: Then Sing Aloud To God
Coronation Te Deum
Gloria

Amazon.com

Walton's compact, 35-minute-long oratorio reveals the composer's real gift as a future composer of film music. The wonderful scene when the disembodied hand of God writes the words of judgment on the banquet- room wall is straight-out horror movie stuff, while the "praise song" to the various Babylonian gods is a triumphal march that would not have been out of place in Star Wars. Sir David Willcocks presides over a lean and mean performance that makes the most of Walton's vivid orchestration, and also permits a large amount of text to be clearly heard over the joyful tumult of the instruments. Both the Gloria and Coronation Te Deum clearly come from the same well as "Belshazzar," so anyone wanting all of Walton's major choral works on a single disc should snap this up. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

More than impressive.......2001-01-09

When I first heard Belshazzar's Feast I immediately decided to buy it. The way the themes repeat themselves and the voices intermingle, is really very impressive. Unfortunately the music turned out to be too much for my boxes and for my partner. And the differences in volume turn listening to it in the car to a dangerous experience. I recommend Belshazzar's Feast only to advanced listeners with a good set of headphones.

Average customer rating:

Very fine but not the best
High quality recording
Feast for the ears
Another thumbs up for Naxos!!!

Walton: Belshazzar's Feast

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Walton: Symphony No. 1; Orb & Sceptre; Crown Imperial
Walton: Belshazzar's Feast; Bernstein: Chichester Psalms; Missa Brevis
Verdi: Requiem & Operatic Choruses

ASIN: B0001N9ZCK
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

Thus Spake Isaiah
If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem
Babylon Was A Great City
Praise Ye
Thus In Babylon
And In That Same Hour
Then Sing Aloud To God
The Trumpeters And Pipers Are Silent
Then Sing Aloud To God
Crown Imperial
Orb And Sceptre

Album Description

Walton's searing oratorio, Belshazzar's Feast, written for baritone, chorus and a huge orchestra with an augmented brass section, takes as its subject the scene from the Bible (Book of Daniel) in which, at King Belshazzar's Feast, a hand appears and prophetically writes a doom laden message on the wall. Often compared on account of its pulsating drive and barbaric splendour with Orff's Carmina Burana, Belshazzar's Feast is now regarded as the finest British large-scale choral work since Elgar's Dream of Gerontius.

Customer Reviews:

Very fine but not the best.......2007-02-16

I heard Paul Daniel's interpretation of Belshazzar's Feast "live" in Leeds Town Hall on March 17, 2001 - actually the place where the piece once was premiered in 1931 on the Leeds festival. Daniel's interpretation that day was a great musical moment - I hoped it would have been recorded.

But the interpretation on the present disc, recorded later in 2001 in Leeds Town Hall but without audience, does not really make the same impression. Walton's wild, jazzy music is more controlled here than what I can recall from the live performance.

Nonetheless it is a very good recording with a lot of musical excitement, partly due to the excellent orchestral playing (the brass is glowingly outstanding, as always in Britain), even if the choral singing is not quite up to the distinguished standard in Previn's seminal account (EMI). Daniel's bass Christopher Purves, moreover, is no match for Previn's John Shirley Quirk - there is more "bite" in the archaic words here.

So, to sum up, a very fine recording that can be recommended, even if not without some minor reservations. For most people, Previn must still be the first "mainstream" choice.

But my first recommendation is actually Ormandy's thrillingly taut interpretation on SONY (a bargain twofer that includes Szell's magical interpretation of Walton's second symphony - available at amazon.co.uk), even if the recording quality is not the very best and the choir sounds less massive and alert than the one in Previn's hands (and even the one in Daniel's recording). The conductor, as always, makes the whole difference.

High quality recording.......2005-12-09

I wasn't expecting much based on the inexpensive price, but this recording blew me away. The recording is phenomenol. The orchestra is outstanding and the brass section is wholesome (and even has a little edge, in a good way). The choir is powerful and full of emotion. Highly recommended.

Feast for the ears.......2005-10-17

The quality of the CD is excellent as are the voices and orchestra. The regal and majestic themes aqre brilliantly displayed and the pulse-pounding rhythms can really "rock the house" Hihgly recommended recording.

Another thumbs up for Naxos!!!.......2005-03-02

I simply do not have words to describe the music of this oratorio. Naxos is doing a great job recording this kind of stuff.The orchestra is just amazing. I truly recomend this.

Average customer rating:

Belshazzar's Feast
W. Walton
Manufacturer: EMI/Angel/Virgin/Imports
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000005GOV
Release Date: 1996-11-27

Average customer rating:

Walton Conducts Walton
Walton , Noble , and Liverpool Philharmonic
Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

Polka - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Valse - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Swiss Yodelling Song - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Tango - Pasodoble - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Tarantella, Sevillana - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Fanfare - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Scotch Rhapsody - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Country Dance - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Noche Espagnole - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Popular Song - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Old Sir Faulk - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Andante Comodo - Frederick Riddle
Vivo, Con Moto Preciso - Frederick Riddle
Allegro Moderato - Frederick Riddle
Thus Spake Isaiah - Huddersfield Choral Society
By The Waters Of Babylon - Huddersfield Choral Society
For They That Wasted Us - Huddersfield Choral Society
If I Forget Thee Oh Jerusalem - Huddersfield Choral Society
By The Waters Of Babylon - Huddersfield Choral Society
Oh Daughters Of Babylon - Huddersfield Choral Society
Babylon Was A Great City - Huddersfield Choral Society
In Babylon, Belshazzar The King Made A Great Feast - Huddersfield Choral Society
Praise Ye The God Of Gold - Huddersfield Choral Society
Thus In Babylon The Mighty City - Huddersfield Choral Society
And In That Same Hour After They Feasted - Huddersfield Choral Society
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Vaughan Williams: Job; Walton: Belshazzar's Feast

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Vaughan Williams: Job; Walton: Belshazzar's Feast
Terfel , Davis , and BBC Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Apex
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00006372I
Release Date: 2006-06-02

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