Martyn Brabbins and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra follow up their definitive account of the symphonies (on CDA67794) with another outstanding album of Walton. From the sunlit Mediterranean lyricism of the Violin Concerto to the rousing Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, this is the composer at the height of his power.

‘Marwood is a vivacious soloist in the Violin Concerto and particularly compelling in its magnificent Passacaglia, which is expertly paced … we are left in no doubt about the levels of searing commitment’ - BBC Music Magazine (CDA67801: Britten - Violin Concerto, Double Concerto)

‘The whole disc is a credit not only to the conductor but also to the quality of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, which can stand comparison with any rival’ - Gramophone (CDA67794: Walton - Symphonies)

With acclaimed accounts of Walton’s symphonies already under their belts, Martyn Brabbins and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra turn their attentions to a wider selection of the composer’s orchestral music on their latest Hyperion disc. Top of the bill is the Violin Concerto, commissioned by Jascha Heifetz, no less, in 1935 (a measure of Walton’s standing while still only in his early 30s) but not composed until 1938, and further revised following its 1939 premiere. Here the soloist is the excellent Anthony Marwood (formerly of the Florestan Trio), and he brings to the work not only the requisite virtuoso skills – especially in the scherzo second movement and vivacious finale – but also a chamber musician’s depth of consideration and variety of tone. With sterling support from Brabbins and the BBC Scottish players, this is a performance which allows the music space to breathe, so important in a work which has such an Italianate airiness to it. From the languorous opening to the sparkling close this is an account to relish again and again, one which foregoes glib showiness in favour of a more thoughtful approach which, though not short of fireworks, will stand up to repeated listening, ideal for any collection.

The orchestra are on their mettle, too, in a engaging performance of the 1957 Partita, originally commissioned for the fortieth anniversary of the Cleveland Orchestra, with George Szell conducting the premiere as well as making the first recording. This new recording stands up well to such comparisons, and again it captures the Italianate languor, passion and spirit that infuses the entire score. The duet for oboe and viola that opens the Pastorale siciliana central movement is particularly cherishable, and Brabbins brings out all the vividness of Walton’s colourful scoring. In the outer movements, the pinpoint precision of the BBC SSO’s brass is exactly what this music needs.

Just as fine are the Variations on a theme of Hindemith, commissioned for the 150th anniversary of the Royal Philharmonic Society in 1963, and serving as homage to the forty-year friendship between Hindemith and Walton. From the lugubriously mysterious opening through a series of brilliantly inventive and contrasting variations, this is one of Walton’s most refined scores, every bit as collectively virtuosic as the Partita, and Brabbins coaxes from his musicians one of the most assured and memorable accounts for many a year, with radiant strings and dazzlingly incisive wind, brass and percussion. The fugal Finale emerges as a tour de force, and the reflective coda has a gorgeous warmth to it.

Rounding off proceedings is a thoroughly uplifting traversal of the 1943 Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, extracted from Walton’s film score for The First of the Few, which traced the development and construction of the first Supermarine Spitfire aircraft prior to the Battle of Britain. The Prelude has just the right degree of Elgarian nobility and expansiveness to it, while the Fugue (which originally accompanied the construction of the prototype) has moments of exquisite delicacy to balance the general bustle. It’s a rousing conclusion to a hugely enjoyable disc. Admirable sound from the City Halls, Candleriggs (Glasgow) and detailed notes from Robert Matthew-Walker complete a splendidly attractive package.