Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

August 23, 1903 in Glasgow, Scotland

Death

:

May 1, 1982 in Provo, UT

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

William Primrose was a Scottish violist who was born on August 23, 1904, in Glasgow, Scotland. He was the youngest of four children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist. Primrose began playing the violin at the age of five, but he switched to the viola when he was 14 years old. Primrose studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and later at the Guildhall School of Music in London. He made his professional debut as a violist in 1923 with the London Symphony Orchestra. In 1924, he joined the London String Quartet, which was led by the renowned violinist Albert Sammons. Primrose played with the quartet for three years and gained valuable experience in chamber music. In 1927, Primrose moved to the United States and joined the New York Philharmonic as the principal violist. He played with the orchestra for two years before leaving to pursue a solo career. Primrose quickly established himself as one of the leading violists of his time. He was known for his beautiful tone, technical proficiency, and musical sensitivity. Primrose performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also gave numerous recitals and chamber music performances throughout his career. In addition to his solo work, Primrose was a member of the Primrose Quartet, which was formed in 1940 and included his wife, violinist Suzanne Rozsa, and two other musicians. Primrose was a champion of contemporary music and commissioned many new works for the viola. He premiered works by composers such as Béla Bartók, Benjamin Britten, Paul Hindemith, and William Walton. He also transcribed many works originally written for other instruments, including Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin. Primrose was a prolific recording artist and made over 200 recordings throughout his career. His recordings include works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and many other composers. He also recorded many of the works he commissioned and transcribed for the viola. Primrose was the recipient of many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1944, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music. He was also awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society in 1959. In 1966, he was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Field of Music. Primrose continued to perform and teach until his death on May 1, 1982, in Provo, Utah. He was 77 years old. He had been a professor of viola at the University of Utah since 1970 and had a profound influence on many young violists. His legacy lives on through his recordings, transcriptions, and the many students he taught throughout his career.

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