Violist William Primrose Died in 1982

A protege of Eugène Ysaÿe, Maestro Primrose is remembered as one of the pre-eminent viola virtuosi of all time

 

Scottish violist William Primrose died on this day in 1982 from cancer (aged 77).

Mr. Primrose, was born in Glasgow on Aug. 23, 1904. He initially embarked on his musical journey as a violinist, making his debut performance at 10 years old. He later pursued studies in London, where he studied with the esteemed Belgian violinist and pedagogue Eugene Ysaye.

It was Ysaye's who suggested that William transition to the viola. Although Primrose had been progressing towards a promising career as a violinist, his affection for the viola blossomed, asserting throughout his life that it was more than just an 'oversized violin'. He expressed a profound connection with the instrument, stating, ''When I am playing the viola, I feel a sense of oneness with the instrument that I never felt when playing the violin.''

From 1930 to 1935, Mr. Primrose served as the violist of the London String Quartet, who frequently toured internationally. Following the disbandment of the London String Quartet in 1935, Primrose transitioned to a career as a recitalist until 1937. He displayed extraordinary virtuosity on the viola, as heard in his recordings of the Paganini Violin Caprices.

In 1937, he made a permanent move to the United States, assuming the role of principal viola in the newly established NBC Symphony under the baton of Arturo Toscanini. During his tenure with the orchestra, he founded the Primrose Quartet for radio broadcasts, as well as producing recordings with acclaimed musicians such as Jascha Heifetz, Gregor Piatigorsky, and Arthur Rubinstein.

He remained with the NBC Symphony until 1942, when he decided to focus on his solo career, giving concerts and appearing with orchestras all over the world. Mr. Primorse gave the premiere performance of Bartók's Viola Concerto and Benjamin Britten's Lachrymae, and the first recording of Hector Berlioz's Harold in Italy.

For his services to music he was named Commander of the British Empire in 1953.

Mr. Primrose also enjoyed teaching. In the USA he taught at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, at the University of California in Los Angeles, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Indiana, and in Japan at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music for several years. Towards the end of his life he also taught at Brigham Young University in Utah.

 

WILLIAM PRIMROSE | VIOLA MASTER PERFORMER SERIES