# William Walton

> English composer (1902–1983)

**Wikidata**: [Q310939](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310939)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Walton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/william-walton

## Summary
William Walton was an English composer (1902–1983) known for his contributions to film scores and orchestral works. He was a conductor, film score composer, and a prominent figure in British music, earning recognition for his innovative compositions and awards such as the Benjamin Franklin Medal.

## Biography
- Born: March 29, 1902, in Southport, England
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education: Christ Church, University of Oxford; Royal College of Music, London; Royal Academy of Music, London
- Known for: Pioneering film scores and orchestral compositions
- Employer(s): Royal College of Music, University of Oxford
- Field(s): Composition, conducting, film scoring

## Contributions
- **Film Scores**: Composed scores for notable films, including *The Dam Busters* (1955), which won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
- **Orchestral Works**: Created influential compositions such as *Belshazzar’s Feast* (1934) and *The Bear* (1937).
- **Conducting**: Directed musical groups during performances, shaping the interpretation of his works.

## FAQs
**What was William Walton's most famous composition?**
William Walton's most famous composition is *The Dam Busters*, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1955.

**Where did William Walton study?**
William Walton studied at Christ Church, University of Oxford, the Royal College of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music in London.

**What awards did William Walton receive?**
William Walton received the Benjamin Franklin Medal and was knighted with the Order of Merit.

**What genre of music did William Walton specialize in?**
William Walton specialized in film scoring and orchestral compositions, blending classical and modern influences.

## Why They Matter
William Walton's work revolutionized film scoring by integrating orchestral music with cinematic storytelling. His compositions, such as *The Dam Busters*, set a standard for film music and influenced future composers. His innovative approach to blending classical and modern elements left a lasting impact on the music industry.

## Notable For
- Won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for *The Dam Busters* (1955)
- Received the Benjamin Franklin Medal for his contributions to Anglo-American understanding
- Knighted with the Order of Merit for distinguished service
- Composed influential orchestral works like *Belshazzar’s Feast* and *The Bear*
- Conducted musical groups during performances, shaping the interpretation of his compositions

## Body
### Early Life and Education
William Turner Walton was born on March 29, 1902, in Southport, England. He attended Christ Church, University of Oxford, where he studied music. Later, he enrolled at the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in London, honing his skills in composition and conducting.

### Career and Compositions
Walton began his career as a composer and conductor, working with various musical groups. His early compositions, such as *Belshazzar’s Feast* (1934) and *The Bear* (1937), showcased his innovative approach to orchestral music. He later transitioned to film scoring, composing for notable films including *The Dam Busters* (1955), which won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.

### Awards and Recognition
Walton received the Benjamin Franklin Medal in 1957 for his efforts to forward Anglo-American understanding. He was also knighted with the Order of Merit in 1983, recognizing his distinguished service to music and the arts.

### Legacy
William Walton's contributions to film scoring and orchestral compositions have left a lasting impact on the music industry. His innovative approach to blending classical and modern elements continues to influence composers today. His work remains a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Brief Biographical Dictionary of Foreign Composers
4. Find a Grave
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. CiNii Research
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. [Source](http://hdl.handle.net/10079/fa/beinecke.genmusmisc)
10. SNAC
11. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
12. Croatian Encyclopedia
13. Munzinger Personen
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Walton%20William)
16. CONOR.SI
17. Autoritats UB
18. BBC Things
19. ISWC Network
20. Quora
21. The Movie Database
22. LIBRIS. 2003
23. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
24. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
25. performing-arts.ch