William Walton’s “Henry V” Film Score: Two Pieces for Strings

Laurence Olivier’s Technicolor film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry V resonated powerfully with a war-weary public at the time of its release in November of 1944. Shakespeare’s 1599 history play includes the stirring St. Crispin’s Day speech, in which King Henry rallies his outnumbered troops to triumphant victory against all odds at the Battle of Agincourt. (“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers…”) The film was originally “dedicated to the Commandos and …

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Music Inspired by Shakespeare

Historians believe that today marks the 450th birthday of William Shakespeare. Throughout history, Shakespeare’s plays have been a rich source of inspiration for composers. A few months ago we heard Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet tone poem. Now let’s celebrate with some more music inspired by the Bard of Avon: Play, music! And you, brides and bridegrooms all,With measure heap’d in joy, to the measures fall. -As You Like It The man that …

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