Playing the Viola: Conversations with William Primrose - Hardcover

Dalton, David

4.37

41 ratings by Goodreads

9780193185142: Playing the Viola: Conversations with William Primrose

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0193185148 ISBN 13: 9780193185142

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1988

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This study is based on a series of conversations with William Primrose in the last years before his death in 1982. David Dalton discussed with him many aspects related to performing on and teaching the viola. The result of these interviews aims to provide advice for the student on the technicalities of playing the viola: on holding the instrument, bowing, tone, fingering and practising, and gives illustrations and music examples. As well as giving technical guidelines, the two violists discuss the position of their instrument in music history and cover topics of repertoire, notably the question of transcriptions and the need for contemporary masterpieces in the light of the limited heritage of "valid" compositions for the viola. There are insights into the performance of the concertos by Bartok and Walton, with which Primrose was closely associated. Advice is also given on the art of performing and of demeanour on stage, on competitions, on recordings and on preparing for a career. The work is intended to be of interest to both players and teachers of the viola and of other string instruments, both amateur and professional, and to musicians and music lovers in general.

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Review:

an excellent book ... fascinating information concerning the viola in all its aspects ... David Dalton is to be congratulated on his questioning, the style and content which he puts forward often entices Primrose into much deeper water than was anticipated but it adds spice to the nub of the question and brings out some extra and revealing asides ... Chapter 4 'On Practising' is probably of the greatest value to the student and I suggest that each one should read and study its contents and ponder over the advice offered, it is plain and honest speaking and excellent instruction ... a very good entertaining and instructive book for all viola players and others. (Harry Danks)

The instrument's supreme spokesman and his ideal collaborator - together they have brought us a work of rare insight and commitment. My special thanks to Mr David Dalton for his unique contribution to the viola world. (Michael Tree, Guarneri Quartet)

a loving and brilliant composite of the man, his art, and his humanity, and a meticulously detailed analysis of his technique ... A tremendous contribution and a much-needed affirmation of our own best instincts. (Karen Tuttle, Juilliard School of Music and Curtis Institute of Music)

If Lionel Tertis was the first protagonist, Primrose was certainly the first star of the viola. (Yehudi Menuhin)

The format of the book not only breaks down the technical matters into easily digested sections but also makes reference easy. The photographs and musical illustrations are invaluable ... these conversations can give us an insight into his understanding and love of the instrument and his great contribution as a performer, teacher and transcriber. Thank you David Dalton (Jennifer Paterson, Music Teacher)

will be read with pleasure and profit by players and teachers of all bowed string instruments ... We are indebted to Dalton for capturing in print so much of the wisdom and inspiration of this trail-blazing artist. (Christopher D.S. Field, Galpin Society Journal, XLVI)

About the Author:

David Dalton is at Brigham Young University, Utah; President of American Viola Society.

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