Search - Johannes Brahms, Luigi Boccherini, Niccolo Paganini :: William Primrose Collection Vol.2

Heartrending

ponine | Atlanta, GA | 03/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a player and passionate fan of the viola, I can personally say that these are the most gorgeous pieces for solo viola I've heard. Wiliam Primrose is the king of the viola- his instrument sings like only a viola can on these recordings. If you love the rich, mellow sound of a viola, or are wondering what on earth a viola is, I highly recommend this recording. Either way, you won't be disappointed."

A Viola Master In His Prime

Jeffrey Lipscomb | Sacramento, CA United States | 04/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"William Primrose (1904-1982) was arguably the greatest of all violists. These recordings demonstrate that his virtuosity went hand in hand with supreme musicianship. The major items here are the two Brahms Sonatas, originally written for clarinet but later arranged by the composer for viola and piano. #1 (recorded 1946) is with pianist William Kapell, while #2 (recorded 1937) is with Gerald Moore. The transfers here are superior to Pearl's (both sonatas) and RCA's Kapell Edition (#1 only). I prefer these bolder performances to Primrose's later accounts with Rudolf Firkusny (Angel).



In #1 the tragically short-lived Kapell is a superb partner in a reading that is more dynamic and dramatic than any other I've heard. The sound here is warm and full. Moore is a fine accompanist in #2, which suffers a bit from its older sound.



The Boccherini Sonata #6 (1939, with Joseph Kahn) is a lovely work, and it's performed with great sensitivity and noble tone. The four encore items (from wartime Armed forces radio broadcasts) are delightful: a dazzling Paganini Caprice, Kreisler's Policinelle, an arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Andante Cantabile, and a gorgeously schmalzy rendition of Foster's "I dream of Jeannie with the light-brown hair."



I'm keeping this CD and weeding my other versions.



Highly recommended."

Must-have recording of Brahms for viola!

G. Rehman | 12/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jeffrey Liscomb (previous reviewer) has well stated the case for buying this album: the f-minor Sonata is one of the most thrilling recordings of this work on viola! And the Eb-major Sonata is also beautifully interpreted by both artists, but the transfer to digital did not yield as clean a result: the second movement is particularly lyrical. The Boccherini is a great transcribed addition to viola repertoire, and performed in a timeless manner. The encore pieces are delightful, and showcase Primrose's virtuosity. Not only every violist show own this album, but every musician!"