Walton: Portsmouth Point Overture

Recording locations: Decca Studios, West Hampstead, London, UK, July & August 1954 (Façade); Kingsway Hall, London, UK, April 1953 (Orb and Sceptre, Bax), October 1954 (Siesta, Scapino, Portsmouth Point); Walthamstow Assembly Hall, London, UK, May 1957 (Bliss)

Returning Decca’s pioneering recording of Façade to the catalogue, this generous collection of English music includes further gems from the Decca catalogue of orchestral pieces by Walton and two marches, by Bax and Bliss, respectively, to mark royal occasions in connection with Queen Elizabeth II. The liner notes include one written by Dame Edith Sitwell herself for the first LP issue of Façade and the cover illustration, especially commissioned for this reissue, takes its title from one of Façade’s numbers: “Something lies beyond the scene”.

Heritage presents Walton’s first recording of Belshazzar’s Feast, recorded during the Second World War, featuring the baritone soloist Dennis Noble who very much made the work his own. The disc also includes the thrilling Partita and a selection of overtures and marches.

'England expects that every man will do his duty'. Robust and hearty music for a national hero from the sea songs and concert hall favourites of Admiral Lord Nelson's time, specially created for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.