This volume provides a definitive, scholarly critical edition of William Walton's Symphony No. 2, addressing the need for a standardized and corrected musical score. The editor, drawing upon historical manuscripts and performance history from the work's 1959-1960 composition period, establishes a reliable text for conductors and musicologists. By re-setting the score and updating orchestral parts, the work serves as the authoritative reference for modern performances of this mid-century symphonic composition.

Musicologists and conductors regard this volume as the standard reference for Walton's second symphony. Experts highlight the clarity of the re-set score as a significant improvement for orchestral preparation and study.