The Prelude for Orchestra (Granada) was commissioned in 1961 by Granada Television for use in their broadcasts.Walton had composed in the genre several times before (Crown Imperial, Spitfire etc.) but never resorts to formula or stereotype always comes up with fresh ideas.The change of key in the middle of the `big tune´ for instance (C to E flat then back again) might have sounded corny had a lesser composer done it; Walton´s doing it makes us long for the tune´s return.
