The best recordings of William Walton

The Centenary Edition

Tamsin Little etc.; Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Andrew Little
Decca 470 5082

All the symphonies, concertos and more, in a comprehensive set.

• Six of the best 20th-century British choral works

Walton Conducts Walton

LPO, LSO/William Walton
Lyrita SCRD 224

Walton here directs Portsmouth Point, Capriccio burlesco and other works.

• Five essential works by Benjamin Britten

Troilus and Cressida

Arthur Davies, Judith Howarth etc.; Opera North/Richard Hickox
Chandos CHAN 9370

Top-flight singing and orchestral playing makes an ultra-strong case for Walton’s neglected opera.

• Six of the best operas about Roman leaders

Façade; Façade 2

Susana Walton, Richard Baker (narrators); City of London Sinfonia/Hickox
Chandos CHAN 8869

Walton’s early masterwork, plus its later supplement.