After the success of the first volume of Walton's film music, producer Christopher Palmer switches focus from Shakespeare to the theme of war. Of course, the justifiably famous "Spitfire Prelude and Fugue" is an obligatory inclusion. Assembled from Walton's music for First of the Few (1942), a biopic about aircraft designer R. J. Mitchell, "Spitfire" was an immediate concert hall success and is presented here in a grand performance. The enterprising Palmer also assembled "A Wartime Sketchbook," a world premiere compendium of selections from The Foreman Went to France (1941) and Next of Kin (1942).

Barber provided these program notes for the premiere performance of his violin concerto: The first movement — allegro molto moderato — begins with a lyrical first subject announced at once by the solo violin, without any orchestral introduction. This movement as a whole has perhaps more the character of a sonata than concerto form. The second movement — andante sostenuto — is introduced by an extended oboe solo. The violin enters with a contrasting and rhapsodic theme, after which it repeats the oboe melody of the beginning. The last movement, a perpetuum mobile, exploits the more brilliant and virtuosic character of the violin.

Moving along at a relaxed, slow pace, punctuated by amusing anecdotes and jokes from the teacher, the new words, phrases and language rules are gently introduced and reinforced through subtle repetition without ever being tedious. In fact, despite a distinct emphasis on non-work, the course proves very effective and enjoyable, and its format is ideal for learning anywhere you like. So, if you only want to learn to speak the language, this course is highly recommended.