This volume provides a definitive performing edition of William Walton's first String Quartet, documenting the evolution of the work from its initial composition to its final 1923 premiere. The text serves as a scholarly resource for musicians and musicologists, utilizing the authoritative Walton Edition Chamber Music volume as its primary source. It addresses the historical context of the quartet's development, specifically the addition of a second movement that finalized the structure of the piece.

Experts and performers regard this edition as the standard reference for Walton's early chamber works. Scholars frequently note the precision of the editorial process in capturing the composer's final intentions for the quartet.