William Primrose, a British violist born in Glasgow in 1904, initially began his career as a violinist, studying with the renowned Eugène Ysaÿe.
Performer Biography
William Primrose switched to playing the viola in 1930 to join the London String Quartet, establishing himself as a top-tier viola soloist.
Recording & Production
This album features live broadcast recordings from 1939, offering a glimpse into what the Primrose Quartet's Beethoven legacy might have been.
Performer Biography
The Primrose Quartet was formed in 1939 by NBC, featuring members of the NBC Symphony, and was named after its most renowned member, William Primrose.
Performer Biography
William Primrose chose 21-year-old Oscar Shumsky as the quartet's leader, declaring him "one of the greatest virtuosos I have ever heard."
Performer Biography
The Primrose Quartet, featuring William Primrose on viola, Oscar Shumsky (violin I), Josef Gingold (violin II), and Harvey Shapiro (cello), was known for the exceptional instrumental ability of all its members.
You might also enjoy...
Prezioso String Quartet
Quartetto Italiano: The complete RIAS Recordings
Béla Bartók: String Quartets Nos. 3 & 4 - Leo Weiner: String Quartet No. 3
Arnold Schönberg: String Quartet No. 3, Scherzo, Presto, Chamber Symphony
Ben Johnston: String Quartets Nos. 1, 5 & 10
Mendelssohn: String Quartet No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 12 - String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 13 - Capriccio, Op. 81, No. 3
Haydn, Mozart & Beethoven: String Quartets
WHAT IS AMERICAN
Haydn, Schumann, Brahms & Smetana: Chamber Works
Complete Mendelssohn Quartets
Beethoven Around the World: Tokyo, String Quartets Nos 9, 13 & Grosse fuge
