William Walton (1902 - )
The son of a music teacher, Walton studied at Christ Church, Oxford.
He won early prominence through "Facade",
a witty setting of poems by Edith Sitwell for speaking voice and instruments.
His music derives essentially from the Romantic
tradition. Prominent among his works are the opera "Troilus
and Cressida," the oratorio "Belshazzar's
Feast," a violin concerto,
and and two string quartets.
He wrote some fine film music.