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In this third volume of Edward Gardner's Walton series with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, James Ehnes leaves his violin to tackle the taxing soloist role in the Viola Concerto. In a recent Strad interview, Ehnes confesses 'This is a piece I have loved since I was a teenager, so it is wonderful that the opportunity has come my way to record it... With Walton's Viola Concerto, none of the writing is impossible but a lot of it is close. And in a way that is exactly where you want it to be on the edge of technical limitations. There's a tremendous amount of excitement in that. ' This album in surround sound also features two much later works the 1957 Partita for Orchestra and the Sonata for String Orchestra, adapted in 1971 from the String Quartet in A minor of 1945 - 47. There is a striking contrast between the uncomfortable modernism of the up-and-coming young composer's Viola Concerto and the relaxed brilliance of the mature Partita. But the Sonata shows Walton late in his life re-engaging as an arranger with his earlier manner, and so with the characteristic vein of restless unease that runs through most of his output. Details 1. I. Andante Comodo - James Ehnes/Bbc Symphony Orchestra 2. II. Vivo, E Molto Preciso - James Ehnes/Bbc Symphony Orchestra 3. III. Allegro Moderato - James Ehnes/Bbc Symphony Orchestra 4. I. Allegro 5. II. Presto 6. III. Lento 7. IV. Allegro Motto 8. I. Toccata. Brioso - Poco Meno Mosso 9. II. Pastorale Siciliana. Andante Comodo 10. III. Giga Burlesca. Allegro Gioviale
