Playing The Viola: Conversations with William Primrose - Tapa blanda

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)

`In all areas of human endeavour, time and again an individual appears who, due to a multitude of personal attributes, elevates his or her field to a hitherto unknown height. Such an individual was William Primrose. His name and the viola are synonymous.' Janos Starker

This unique book is the result of a series of conversations with Primrose in the last years before his death in 1982. David Dalton describes how he came to the great artist armed with every question he could think of pertaining to performing on and teaching the viola. The lively dialogue contains a wealth of illuminating advice for the student on the technicalities of playing the viola. It is, however, far more than a technical guide. The two violists discuss the unique position of their instrument - `an instrument without tradition' is Primrose's bald description. They cover the topic of repertoire with fascinating insights into the performance of the great concertos by Bartók and Walton, with which Primrose was so closely associated. Still more invaluable advice emerges from the discussion of Primrose's own experience, on the art of performance, on demeanour on stage, on competitions, on recordings, and on preparing for a career.

The book is a tribute to one of the greatest artists of this century.