Search - Olivier, Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra :: Walton: Henry V/Richard III

Exhilarating music from thrilling Shakespeare films

Nicholas Edwards | Belchertown, MA United States | 09/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of course, it is a plus to have Walton conducting the Philharmonia in brilliant EMI stereo in concert arrangements of the "Henry V" and "Richard III" scores (even the tempi are not, in my view, always exactly what one would wish). But the centerpiece of this extraordinary disc is a dramatic set of recordings (beautifully transferred from 78s) in which the bulk

of the "Henry V" music is presented in Walton's revised orchestration. Walton conducts the Philharmonia with splendid vigor and elan; the 1946 monaural sound is remarkably crisp (if lacking somewhat in warmth). The choral passages are especially fine. Also, Sir Laurence Olivier presents some of the play's shorter speeches, providing compelling bridges between the musical cues. He reads with tremendous fire, and in one speech

at least - namely, the St. Crispin's Day oration - he very nearly surpasses his reading in the film. And I can gurantee that the closing, choral arrangement of the "Agincourt Song" will have you on your feet! This is a superb disc of some of the most rousing music ever written for films, and I give it my

highest recommendation.

"