Part 2 conducted by the composer
William Walton 's
Symphony, first performed in its entirety in 1935, is passionate, high-powered, and dazzling. Even in the slow movement (marked con malincolia) there is little repose. At the opening of the work a drum roll in B flat ushers in an insistent, rhythmical figure on the strings which, after various adventures, reaches an overwhelming climax. Note the descending second, at the end of the oboe phrase near the beginning: this plays a prominent part in the Symphony. The second movement, the Scherzo, is directed to be played ' with malice.' The finale (completed after the previous movements had been publicly performed) opens majestically, gathers speed, and includes a spirited fugue. — Harold Rutland