Shakespeare's Henry V (spoken excerpts by Sir Laurence Olivier, with music composed and conducted by William Walton, Philharmonia Orchestra of London and Chorus; Victor, 8 sides). Walton's music was superbly tailored to its job: that of complementing Henry V's sights, speeches and sound. Put on its own (as in the battle music), Walton's score is disappointing. It serves best as an accompaniment to Olivier's spine-tingling recital of "Now entertain conjecture of a time" and the St. Crispin's Day speech. Performance: excellent.
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat (William Kapell, pianist, with...