William Primrose, the renowned Scottish violist, presents a captivating collection of classical and chamber music pieces in "Primrose: Recital, Vol. 1". Released on November 1, 2011, under the Naxos label, this album spans a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.
The album features a wide array of compositions, showcasing Primrose's exceptional skill and versatility. From the elegant "Allegretto in the style of Boccherini" to the hauntingly beautiful "Ellens Gesang III (Ave Maria!)" and the lively "Carnival of the Animals: XIII. The Swan," each track is a testament to Primrose's mastery of the viola. The arrangements, many of which are specifically tailored for viola and piano or viola and orchestra, highlight the depth and range of Primrose's musical prowess.
Primrose's interpretations of works by composers such as Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Schubert, and Saint-Saëns are particularly noteworthy. His rendition of "Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, B. 178, 'from the New World': II. Largo" and "Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006: III. Gavotte en rondeau" are standout performances that demonstrate his ability to infuse each piece with a unique and personal touch.
The album also includes lesser-known gems such as "2 Jamaican Pieces" and "2 Jamaican Street Songs," adding a touch of exoticism and cultural diversity to the collection. These pieces, along with the more traditional classical works, create a well-rounded and engaging listening experience.
"Primrose: Recital, Vol. 1" is a celebration of William Primrose's artistry and his enduring legacy in the world of classical music. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a delightful and enriching journey through some of the most beautiful and timeless pieces in the classical repertoire.
2011 Naxos2011 Naxos
Tracks
Allegretto in the style of Boccherini (Arr. For viola and piano)Fritz Kreisler, William Primrose, Joseph Kahn
Zigeunermelodien, Op. 55, B. 104, No. 4. Als die alte Mutter (Songs my Mother Taught Me): Zigeunermelodien, Op. 55, B. 104: No. 4, Als die alte Mutter [Songs my Mother Taught Me] [arr. F. Kreisler for viola and piano]Antonín Dvořák, William Primrose, Franz Rupp
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, B. 178, "from the New World": II. Largo (Arr. F. Kreisler for viola and piano)Antonín Dvořák, William Primrose, Franz Rupp
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 7 in G-Flat Major (Arr. E. De Luca for viola and orchestra)Antonín Dvořák, William Primrose, Victor Symphony Orchestra, Charles O'Connell
Elegie (Arr. For voice, viola and piano)Jules Massenet, Marian Anderson, William Primrose, Franz Rupp
Liebesfreud (Arr. For viola and piano)Fritz Kreisler, William Primrose, Harry Isaacs
Liebesleid (Arr. For viola and piano)Fritz Kreisler, William Primrose, David Stimer
Praeludium and Allegro in the style of Pugnani (Arr. For viola and piano)Fritz Kreisler, William Primrose, Franz Rupp
Londonderry Air (Arr. P. Hughes for viola and harp)Traditional, William Primrose, Sidonie Goossens
Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2 (Arr. P. Sarasate for violin and piano)Frédéric Chopin, William Primrose, Studio pianist
Ellens Gesang III (Ave Maria!), Op. 52, No. 6, D. 839, "Hymne an die Jungfrau" [arr. A. Wilhelmj for viola and harp]Franz Schubert, William Primrose, Sidonie Goossens
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11: II. Andante cantabile (Arr. F. Kreisler for viola and piano)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, William Primrose, David Stimer
6 Romances, Op. 6, No. 6. None but the Lonely Heart: 6 Romances, Op. 6: No. 6, None but the Lonely Heart (Arr. W. Primrose for viola and piano)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, William Primrose, Harry Isaacs
6 Songs, Op. 4, No. 4. In the Silence of the Night: 6 Songs, Op. 4: No. 4, In the Silence of the Night (Arr. For voice, viola and piano)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Marian Anderson, William Primrose, Franz Rupp
Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006: III. Gavotte en rondeau (Arr. F. Kreisler for violin and piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, William Primrose, Studio pianist
Solfeggio in C Minor, Wq. 117/2, H. 220 (Arr. W. Primrose for viola and piano)Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, William Primrose, Joseph Kahn
Les fetes d'Hebe: Tambourin (Arr. F. Kreisler for viola and piano)Jean-Philippe Rameau, William Primrose, Joseph Kahn
2 Jamaican Pieces, No. 2. Jamaican Rumba: 2 Jamaican Pieces: No. 2, Jamaican Rumba (Arr. For viola and piano)Arthur Benjamin, William Primrose, Vladimir Sokoloff
2 Jamaican Street Songs: No. 1, Mattie Rag (Arr. For viola and piano)Arthur Benjamin, William Primrose, Vladimir Sokoloff
2 Jamaican Street Songs: No. 2, Cookie (Arr. For viola and piano)Arthur Benjamin, William Primrose, Vladimir Sokoloff
From San Domingo (Arr. For viola and piano)Arthur Benjamin, William Primrose, Vladimir Sokoloff
Carnival of the Animals: XIII. The Swan (Arr. For viola and piano)Camille Saint-Saëns, William Primrose, David Stimer
CapriceBoris Myronoff, William Primrose, David Stimer