Playing the Viola: Conversations with William Primrose

by David Dalton, Janos Starker (Foreword)

Before the death, in 1982, of the renowned violist William Primrose, David Dalton engaged the musician in a lively series of conversations which touched on almost all aspects of viola technique, performance, repertoire, recording, and history. This book is a transcription of this dialogue, containing illuminating advice on holding the viola, bowing, tone, fingering, and practicing, all supported by copious illustrations and musical examples, as well as insights on repertoire for the viola--"an instrument without tradition"--and on performances of the great concertos by Bartok and Walton. Punctuated with frankness and humor, this book is a tribute to one of the greatest artists of this century.

Genres: Music

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Rohan Joshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grow envious of musicians, especially violists, who played with and under Primrose's tutelage. This book was elucidating, especially for a viola performance major like myself, and I highly recommend it to violists looking for practice techniques, and pedagogical methods to improve their and others' mastery of the instrument.

Also, Primrose is witty and knowledgeable as hell, so his jokes and anecdotes keep the book very fun to read.

A professor once told me that aspiring authors and writers should read Zinnsler's "On Writing Well" once a year. I strongly believe that aspiring violists should do the same with this incredible book.

[Kọlá · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant, inspirational book that manages to fit in lots of key tips with an insight into the amazing virtuoso that was William Primrose.

Even learnt a great party trick from it

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a violist this book provided an amazing insight into one of the greatest violists of all time. It covers so many aspects of viola playing that it is a resource I will return to again and again.