Composer: William Walton
Works: The Romantic Loner: A Centenary Portrait Album
Performers: Humphrey Burton, Maureen Murray
Recording: Hardback publication, Oxford University Press, January 2002
Label: Oxford University Press
William Walton remains a pivotal figure in the landscape of twentieth-century British music, distinguished by his unique ability to blend melodic accessibility with a profound emotional depth. The Romantic Loner: A Centenary Portrait Album, authored by Humphrey Burton and Maureen Murray, serves as both a tribute and an insightful exploration into the life and works of Walton, coinciding with the centenary of his birth. This beautifully illustrated volume, with nearly five hundred archival photographs, not only chronicles Walton’s artistic journey from his Edwardian roots in Oldham to his years on the idyllic island of Ischia but also offers a nuanced examination of his contributions to music, film, and culture.
The structure of the book is particularly noteworthy, divided into eight chronologically organized chapters that detail Walton’s life while presenting a wealth of visual documentation. Each chapter begins with a narrative overview that contextualizes Walton’s artistic endeavors within the framework of his personal life and the socio-political milieu of his time. The authors’ intimate knowledge of Walton’s life is evident, particularly in their portrayal of his complex relationships with contemporaries such as the Sitwells and his patrons, the Courtaulds. These social dynamics are crucial to understanding the environment that shaped Walton’s creative output, particularly in the 1920s when he was a beneficiary of the so-called “bright young things,” which significantly impacted his early career.
Burton and Murray effectively convey the dichotomy in Walton’s music, which oscillates between the accessible and the tumultuous. The text delves into specific works, highlighting the vibrancy of compositions like the energetic Spitfire Prelude and Fugue alongside the more introspective Cello Concerto. The authors articulate how Walton’s use of wide intervals imbues his melodies with a sense of yearning that is both poignant and arresting. The examination of Belshazzar’s Feast reveals the composer’s mastery of choral writing, with the authors quoting the late Sir John Barbirolli’s observation of the work as a “red-hot conception,” underscoring Walton’s ability to fuse technical brilliance with visceral emotion.
The quality of the publication itself is commendable; the engineering of the text and images creates an engaging tactile experience that mirrors the richness of Walton’s musical language. The authors’ meticulous attention to detail is apparent in their selection of photographs, many of which have not been published before, providing readers with an intimate glimpse into Walton’s world. This visual narrative is seamlessly integrated with the textual analysis, reinforcing the connections between Walton’s personal experiences and the evolution of his musical style.
The concluding sections of the book present an overview of Walton’s later works, including the challenges he faced during the composition of Troilus and Cressida and the emotional weight of the Cello Concerto, which Walton himself regarded as his finest concerto. The authors do not shy away from addressing the less successful aspects of Walton’s career, particularly his operatic endeavors, thereby presenting a balanced appraisal of his artistic legacy. This honesty is refreshing and adds depth to the reader’s understanding of Walton, who, despite his fame, grappled with self-doubt and artistic struggle.
The Romantic Loner stands as a significant contribution to the scholarship surrounding William Walton. It encapsulates not only his musical achievements but also the intricate tapestry of his life against the backdrop of a changing world. This volume is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper appreciation of Walton’s music and the man behind it, solidifying its place as a definitive portrait of a complex and often misunderstood composer.
