Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of William Primrose with "The 1947 RCA Recordings," a timeless collection of chamber music and classical masterpieces, meticulously arranged for viola and piano. This album, released on Biddulph Recordings, captures the essence of Primrose's virtuosity and his deep connection with the viola, an instrument he championed throughout his illustrious career.
Recorded in 1947 and released in 2000, this album spans a generous 72 minutes, featuring a diverse range of compositions from some of the most celebrated composers in classical music history. From the serene beauty of Bach's "Air on the G String" to the lively rhythms of Villa-Lobos' "Saudades do Brasil," each piece is a testament to Primrose's technical prowess and expressive depth.
The album includes notable works such as excerpts from Haydn's Baryton Trios, arranged by Primrose himself, and the enchanting "The Swan" from Saint-Saëns' "The Carnival of the Animals." Additionally, you'll find arrangements by other renowned artists like Gregor Piatigorsky and William Primrose, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of the viola in various musical contexts.
Primrose's collaboration with pianist David Stimer results in a seamless blend of instruments, where each note is imbued with a sense of intimacy and dialogue. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a casual listener, this album offers a captivating journey through the world of chamber music, highlighting the timeless appeal of these beloved compositions.
2000 Biddulph Recordings2000 Biddulph Recordings
Tracks
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. Air "Air on the G String" (Arr. for Viola & Piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, William Primrose, David Stimer
Baryton Trio in D major, Hob.XI:113 (Excerpts Arr. G. Piatigorsky for Viola & Piano): I. AdagioJoseph Haydn, William Primrose, David Stimer
Baryton Trio in D major, Hob.XI:95: II. Minuet (Arr. G. Piatigorsky for Viola & Piano)Joseph Haydn, William Primrose, David Stimer
Baryton Trio in D major, Hob.XI:113 (Excerpts Arr. G. Piatigorsky for Viola & Piano): III. Allegro di moltoJoseph Haydn, William Primrose, David Stimer
Notturno in D Major, Op. 42 (Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano): Ia. Marcia. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, William Primrose, David Stimer
Notturno in D Major, Op. 42 (Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano): Ib. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, William Primrose, David Stimer
Notturno in D Major, Op. 42 (Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano): II. Minuet. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, William Primrose, David Stimer
Notturno in D Major, Op. 42 (Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano): III. Adagio - ScherzoLudwig van Beethoven, William Primrose, David Stimer
Notturno in D Major, Op. 42 (Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano): IV. Allegretto alla polaccaLudwig van Beethoven, William Primrose, David Stimer
Notturno in D Major, Op. 42 (Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano): V. Andante quasi allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, William Primrose, David Stimer
Notturno in D Major, Op. 42 (Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano): VI. Marcia. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, William Primrose, David Stimer
Songs Without Words, Book 5, Op. 62: No. 1, Andante espressivo, MWV U 185 (Arr. for Viola & Piano)Felix Mendelssohn, William Primrose, David Stimer
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11, TH 111: II. Andante cantabile (Arr. for Viola & Piano)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, William Primrose, David Stimer
The Carnival of the Animals, R. 125: XIII. The Swan (Arr. for Viola & Piano)Camille Saint-Saëns, William Primrose, David Stimer
Alt-Wiener Tanzweisen (Excerpts Arr. for Viola & Piano): No. 3, Schön RosmarinFritz Kreisler, William Primrose, David Stimer
Alt-Wiener Tanzweisen (Excerpts Arr. for Viola & Piano): No. 2, LiebesleidFritz Kreisler, William Primrose, David Stimer
Caprice (Arr. for Viola & Piano)Boris Myronoff, William Primrose, David Stimer
Saudades do Brasil, Op. 67b (Excerpts Arr. A. Levy for Viola & Piano): No. 4, LemeDarius Milhaud, William Primrose, David Stimer
Saudades do Brasil, Op. 67b (Excerpts Arr. A. Levy for Viola & Piano): No. 6, IpanemaDarius Milhaud, William Primrose, David Stimer
26 Preludios: No. 15, Ao pé da fogueira (Arr. J. Heifetz for Viola & Piano)Flausino Vale, William Primrose, David Stimer
Huella, Op. 49 (Arr. J. Heifetz for Viola & Piano)Julián Aguirre, William Primrose, David Stimer
Sarasateana (After P. de Sarasate's Op. 23) [Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano]: I. TangoEfrem Zimbalist, William Primrose, David Stimer
Sarasateana (After P. de Sarasate's Op. 23) [Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano]: II. PoloEfrem Zimbalist, William Primrose, David Stimer
Sarasateana (After P. de Sarasate's Op. 23) [Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano]: III. MalagueñaEfrem Zimbalist, William Primrose, David Stimer
Sarasateana (After P. de Sarasate's Op. 23) [Arr. W. Primrose for Viola & Piano]: IV. ZapateadoEfrem Zimbalist, William Primrose, David Stimer