Sir William Walton (1902-1983) was one of Britain’s best-known composers of the 20th century. He befriended Sacheverell Sitwell while studying at Oxford, a relationship that would lead to his first high-profile success, providing the music for Edith Sitwell’s performance piece Façade in 1922. His Viola Concerto seven years later was a success in a more traditional vein. His compositions include his cantata Belshazzar’s Feast, his First Symphony, his opera Troilus and Cressida, and his music for the 1944 film Henry V. He was knighted by the British crown in 1951.