Yet again it's been a while since I've listened to this recording. I nearly forgot how awesome this concerto is (as well as Primrose's playing). This piece is so badass because Walton is putting his heart on his sleeve during an era when other composers are adopting a more mechanical and mathematical approach to composition.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this piece! I don't agree with some of Primrose's interpretation (especially in the begininng - it feel rather choppy and way too detached), but I still respect him as a professional violist.
Now this is Walton! Forget the violinists that play the viola as a hobby. There is just no comparison when you listen to a viola virtuoso that has dedicated his life to this noble instrument.
Brilliant. Primrose really shows how a viola should be played and proves that the instrument is not just an unfortunate necessity to an orchestra. I think that too many violinist try to play the instrument using violin techniques. Unfortunately, they produce a thin washed out sound. Primrose is a viola player through and through.
I'm all about this recording. After all, Walton himself is the conductor and the piece is his creation. I'm sure he had very specific ideas about how it should go!
I haven't listened to this recording in some time. As I listen to it, I wonder how people can dislike it. The only explanation I can come up with is that if people have a different conception of what this piece is "supposed" to sound like due to having heard other players/recordings then they might find Primrose's interpretation to be somewhat outlandish. Still, I don't understand how listening to this doesn't open the unfamiliar listener's mind to a different playing style for this piece.
@AbsoluteZ3R0 The dislikes may be coming from people that don't like the Walton Concerto at all. I, for one, don't often like 20th century concertos that have made it into the standard repertoire. However, I could never dislike any recording by Primrose. No matter what I feel about a piece, this man played it spectacularly.
It is "Viola" I know. Darker then a violin. But very, very "expressive".
William Primrose should get more credit for his wonderful playing!
It makes me sad that Vengerov who is an amateur ("at playing the Viola") gets more recognition - When this much better version of "the Walton viola concerto" is up here on youtube for everybody to enjoy.
I think I actually like the Bashmet recording better than this one, purely for stylistic reasons; I'm not saying he's playing incorrectly, I just personally prefer the Romantic style that Bashmet uses for this piece. However, for any other piece, I'd rather hear a Primrose recording.
@KevinNa7 i heard this piece and told my teacher i wanted to play it. then i saw the music and almost changed my mind. if you get a good fingering for them, they're not horrible to play.
@nalogirl93 lol, ya this piece definetly requires some thought to be put into the fingerings. you can tell he wrote it for the cool harmonies, not nessecarily to make an incredibly playable concerto=)
@tonywsmith2 you're pretty funny--(even if uninformed). Must be from NY The first recording I ever purchased was William Primrose .My teacher was first viola with the Pittsburg Symphony in his youth.
@malthuswasright . . . well you're right about one thing @malthuswasright: Malthus was right. But otherwise, I dunno . . . I feel the jury should still be out on this
Primrose guy. For money, he sounds like a grinder.
I keep coming back to this - it is absolutely amazing. I think the piece - possibly even this version- was used a s the theme music for the Sherlock Holmes series made by the BBC in the 1960s by the way. WOuld love to hear his 2 and 3 movts - even if the tempo is crazy!
this concerto is hard dude but viola lacks of concerto like haydn cello concerto 3rd mov but this concerto is cool i like primrose way of playing this instead of bashmet.Can you upload the 3 mov?
Primrose was really self conscious about the fingerings he used and usually wouldn't share them with anybody because he was afraid they'd think he was crazy. Most fingerings in Primrose editions aren't actually the fingerings he used :)
I will be honest in saying that I do not take as much issue with Vengerov's recording as many others do (and some are quite militant about their disapproval!), but Primrose's rendition remains my favourite even through the abysmal LP sound quality.
Beside, there are renditions that are far worse than Vengerov's. Ever heard of Nigel Kennedy? Atrocious.
I think this interpretation has a lot of presence, energy and excitement. All other versions i have heard give me a feeling of sadness and relax, maybe its me but i think primrose adds a lot of stuff to this. And sorry for my bad english.
Yes, you are right, your "professor" had no idea about what he was saying. There is a recording that you should get; Koch-Schwann 3-1134-2 of Hind. conduct. Mathis der Maler, his Trio and the Amar quartet made few recordings. Hindemiths rhythm was better than anyone, thats a fact. I studied his books and learned from one of his #1 students. He was like Bach. Some of his music is just out of this world, like Herodiade, if you can find a group that plays it well. None on you-tube, I'm afraid
I have a CD of Hindemith playing viola (his own piece, actually- Der Schwanendreher), and he is not bad, but he is not great either. If he had dedicated his life to becoming a violist, and not a composer, no doubt he would have turned into a great violist, but his playing is just good, and not amazing.
Hindemith was not a virtuoso like Bashmet or Vengerov or Primrose but the recordings he made in the US (when he needed money...) do prove he was an honorable professional player.
He was born across the road from my flat! There's even a commemorative plaque up on the wall. Did a bit of researching after seeing that as i was curious and i didn't realise he was so good, or in fact, so well known and respected. I feel a bit stupid now for not knowing who he was before!
i believe primrose plays this piece unparalleled sophisticated excellence. Something that i haven't heard anyone else do.Everyone just seems to over exaggerate certain parts of this piece. no one plays this piece the way primrose did. his playing is unmatched on this concerto
i know dude right? It has incredible interpretation and vitality...perfect orchestration, juicy double stops that make my spin quiver...ahh, good stuff indeed
If you're looking for an excellent orchestra and a "juicy" sound I would highly recommend Yuri Bashmet's recording. Personally, I'm not too fond of Vengerov's playing for the most part. If you haven't already, you should try Bashmet's recording and see what you think. It's my favorite along with this one, but it's completely different.
Ah Yes!! i know, i've heard the itunes 30 second sample of Bashmet playing the Walton...and believe me, i really want-NEED that recording! it sounds terrific. Bashmet is my favorite violist! i adore his strong playing...owning his Bartok viola concerto, gubaidulina viola concerto...oh man, i love his vibrato and intensity! thanks though, i really want to hear that recording
i definetly disagree- Vengerov's performance of this is stunningly beautiful and magnificent- combining technical profiency of the legato double stops that primrose seems to kind of stutter with and with that unmatched viola tone...magnifico! everyone check out Maxim Vengerov performing the Walton viola concerto...along with the Britten violin concerto
lmao these people are so stupid you cant say this piece wasnt played perfectly. This is by far the best version of the walton. im so sure that the way it is played now is how its supposed to sound. the bite is what walton wanted and its how i hear it. the composers interpretation is the only actual "right" interpretation. The other ones are only better by opinion. But the truth is primrose went very deep into study of how his pieces should be played.
I'm so glad you talked to Walton himself and know all his thoughts!!! Omg, good job.
But fyi, composers change their minds A LOT about how a piece should be played. So the composer's interpretation might be the best, but it is also arbitrary.
Also, in case you didn't know, Primrose was infamous for (at times) sacrificing musicality for the sake of virtuosity.
i didnt talk to walton but im positive primrose did. And even if walton changes his mind, at the time of this recording this is how walton wanted it. I'm pretty sure if they do change there mind they dont completely stray from the sound they want
(continued) than this! There is nothing wrong with Primrose's interpretation of the Walton. It's my personal favorite. I think he gives it more emotion/character than anybody else does.
I don't think Primrose ever sacrificed musicality for virtuosity. In a sense, virtuosity is a very stunning musical effect, and therefore, virtuosity can not be considered amusical. Therefore, if he sacrificed some degree of lyricism and replaced it with virtuosity, he would not destroying the musicality, but rather, changing and/or enhancing it. It was his style of playing. I've heard another recording of the Walton with a different violist (but Walton still conducting) and it was even FASTER
K, how about we agree to disagree and end this argument, huh?
But as a last note, NO ONE is nor should they ever doubt that Primrose was a LEGENDARY violist. But the fact is that sometimes he just played things too damn fast, and while virtuosity might me a "musical effect", not all pieces call for it. This piece is virtuosic at times, but much of it is lyrical and vulnerable. But this piece was new back then so this piece was probably experimental for Primrose.
This concerto was actually written for Lionel Tertis, however Tertis refused to play the piece (at first) so it was premiered by Paul Hindemith. I agree, there is none better on viola than Primrose.
Didnt Tertis "finish" the Bartok Viola Concerto - which as I know the story, was written on scraps of paper and loose sheets? I should know this as I played the dog gone instrument. But it has been so long I dont remember.
I played this piece in highschool. My teacher studied at Curtis and then was under Primrose for a time while at Indiana. I have a copy of a of the solo part with fingerings in Primrose's own handwriting!!
Well a lot of times, with musicians as reputable as Primrose, conductors are sometimes intimidated--afraid to speak out. So this may not necessarily represent Walton's ideal interpretation.
It's highly possible that you're right, but the composer's interpretation isn't always the best interpretation. I fear that this video may be ruining Primrose's reputation rather than bolstering it so I may upload some more recordings in the future.
Perfectly true. Primrose made a fair few changes to the solo part, particularly in the second movement. Primrose felt them necessary due to his virtuoso stature. Walton didn't actually like the changes.
That would take an immense amount of effort, too busy practicing. I'd rather just email you the files - send me a message with your email in. As for Walton, Primrose's interpretation is pretty dated. He plays it with far too much bite, loudly with overly noticable separate bowings. Definitely listen to Kennedy's. It's a perfect version. Very sort of 'longing' interpretation. Very dark. Primrose uses too much vibrato. But I've only heard his interpretation of the first movement.
You are arrogant and rude, so I'll make this as brief as I can. You clearly haven't heard Kennedy's recording, nor, apparently, any other - which renders your opinion meaningless. I have six different recordings of this work and have at least provided reasons for my opinion. You have not. Just because Primrose was the first great violist doesn't mean he is the only great violist. This version is a joke. It's poorly recorded, and played without a shred of musicality or respect for the piece.
Actually, I have heard SEVERAL other renditions of the Walton. Why would I say I don't like Nigel Kennedy's rendition if I hadn't listened to him play this before? I feel that Primrose's rendition is the most emotional of any of the one's I've heard. The rest I've heard either sound somewhat melodramatic or lack musical motion/direction. There is a ton of musicality in this recording. I feel sorry for you if you can't hear it.
I could accept that. I would just see that person like my current stand partner. I just wouldn't weigh his opinion very seriously because his opinion would be opposed 99.999999999999999999% of the time.
Primrose himself wrote in his book that walton made the adjustments because of pressure of his virtuoso stature. That later he found out Walton didn't like the changes. I love him don't get me wrong
The changes were made only to the 2nd movement, not this one. There is another recording of Walton conducting and the first movement is even faster than this. The reason Walton did not like the changes to the 2nd movement is because at quarter = 152 the very specific articulations he wrote in were nearly impossible to play at the tempo. However, the composer's interpretation is not necessarily the "right" or "best" interpretation. That's the beauty of musical interpretation.
Sorry I have to disagree again on this point. The changes to the first movt included bowings, a few notes (the infamous sixth passage has a little grace at the beginning) as well as other thing. Walton himself enjoyed the Frederick Riddle rendition as closer to original. I agree though and I think just trying to copy Walton's original will not always yield the best all the time, that would be quite a square approach perhaps. What Primrose aimed for was revolutionary.
This work is difficult to play and is rare on YouTube. I personally like the skill, clarity and interpretation by the musicians and director. William Primrose interprets with great maturity and vitality. Does anyone have the rest of it? (rhetorical)
William Primrose was/is the greatest violist ever. The people who have the gall to say anything negative about him disgust me. If you think you can play it better, than post a video.
iS ALWAYS a honour to listen such an amazing violist. We must consider the time the recording was made...On the other hand, I think we are used already with nwe recordings wich are, I think, "switch" from the studios machines (sorry for my english, I m not a native spoker) Anyway, he is a GREAT MUSICIAN !!!!!
Well, half and half it's a complicated answer. Primrose made so many adjustments to the solo so what he played was different (some octave displacements, added graces, added octaves, tempo markings, etc.). That edition got published to some extent but the newest one out is the one Walton approves. The orchestration might have been half changed I don't know about this particular recording.
i personally can't STAND the way he plays this piece. he accents practically every other note and the phrasing is so limited. also he has some surprising intonation issues.
I'm disagreeing with you, cause I know we all have our own tastes. But I think the way this recording is done is the way the piece is supposed to be played.
Listen to Kreisler and you'll recognize that was who Primrose was emulating. I'm sure a lot of people can't stand Kreisler's playing today, but that is their problem, not the master's. I don't know what "limited" means with regard to the phrasing but I don't concur. Primrose's control over the phrasing is masterful. He knew exactly what he was doing, and executed it masterfully. Your point regarding the intonation is valid; Primrose often played very out of tune.His strengths made up for it.
hmmm i agree with you and Giuliani both it being about matter of opinion, and i shouldn't say that he's playing anything wrong, because like you said: he's playing it exactly the way he wants to play and thats all that matters. As far my comment on phrasing goes, it just feels like he's emphasizing measures, not lines of music, but thats just me =].
I agree, for Walton there are much better for me too. One has to understand that he was one of the first really recording this and so there was no standard way to play it then as we have now. I don't mind the phrasing, but it's of an old school which we can't do nowadays without being scoffed at. Intonation sometimes is out but again that's because audio engineering and no. of takes were different back then, not like today where everyone sounds relatively in tune, but not live.
I partly agree, I personally am not a fan of this rendition and the phrasing was to my liking. But it has its own charm to it and I agree that he is playing the way he wants it to be played. My only issue about Primrose's playing is his viola which I think sounds horrible. It has a real wolf tone to it and it isn't very mellow.
You have to be there live to fully understand the magnificence of this performance. Also, why are there no posts for the Bartok viola concerto, I ve looked everywhere but nothing, I would post one up if I could find a competent pianist lol.
I have a recording of myself playing it that I was tempted to post.. but I also realized that no one else has put up anything for it! Ah, I don't want to be the only (crappy) example of the piece.. haha
So at first I thought it was a coincidence that thedbasssit had said Orlando, and this was a viola concerto and all. And then I looked at the other comments hahaha.
This is kinda when our contemporary time was coming into play. If you watch a lot of those really old shows that are black and white and listen to the music you can kinda hear a bit of romantic period in it.
When I was 16 and playing in my first pro. orchestra there was a young cello soloist; during reh. break I could hear my section leader and his stand partner, (both my teachers) grumbling about the guy's sloppy technique and intonation. That cellist was Yo Yo Ma. I am NO legend; Primrose WAS, Menuhin WAS, and now Yo Yo Ma is. I think I'll go and practice now.
Wow that is kind of interesting, yes Yo-yo ma has some intonation issues but he is a unique and amazing player nonetheless, i think its more of his choice of an old cello personally.
such an interesting piece of music ive must have listened to this video a million times and i enjoy more every time. being such a wierd piece it must be extremely difficult to memorize
Have any of you planning to audition for college considered playing Der Schwanendreher, Walton or Bartok? they aren't all as inaccessible as some people here make it sound.
I don't think this is one of Primrose's better recordings. now, somebody post the Brahms sonatas or Der Schwanendreher and I'll be happy, if you post the Brahms two songs with Marian Anderson and Franz Rupp and you'll have the best recording Primrose made that I've heard, in my opinion.
I know that there are OTHER great violinists, but how many play viola aswell? Also, Vengerov has played more pieces than most other violinists. He's not my favourite violinist either, so I'm not just saying that he's the greatest; there's other evidence to proove that he will go higher than any other violinist today. I love Itzhak Perlman (one of the greatest violinists) but any one else who WAS great and ISN'T alive are also my favourites like Jascha Heiftez and Yehudi Menuhin!!!
Yet again it's been a while since I've listened to this recording. I nearly forgot how awesome this concerto is (as well as Primrose's playing). This piece is so badass because Walton is putting his heart on his sleeve during an era when other composers are adopting a more mechanical and mathematical approach to composition.
AbsoluteZ3R0 1 month ago
@AbsoluteZ3R0 if a violist plays mechanically, he sounds like...a violinist! ;)
bckm54 4 days ago
my only problem with this recording is the quality
amisanthropicman 3 months ago
@amisanthropicman i always find the static adds some "homeiness" to it.
cchamp27 1 month ago
@cchamp27 Much like film grain in older movies right?
AbsoluteZ3R0 1 month ago
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this piece! I don't agree with some of Primrose's interpretation (especially in the begininng - it feel rather choppy and way too detached), but I still respect him as a professional violist.
morganbandy 4 months ago
the best violia player ever!I
doriviola 5 months ago
Teh chordz!
cuntylishus 6 months ago
Now this is Walton! Forget the violinists that play the viola as a hobby. There is just no comparison when you listen to a viola virtuoso that has dedicated his life to this noble instrument.
ondaslokas 8 months ago 6
from the master himself...I would love to play as beautifully as he does! maybe after another 17 years
violakuso2007 10 months ago
Listen to Fred Riddle.
delune56 11 months ago
Thanks.
It reminded me of the sweet lyricism of Delius.
I wish you would play the Delius Viola Sonata.
nks.
steeeeevve 11 months ago
Not a million miles from Delius.
steeeeevve 11 months ago
@steeeeevve what
AbsoluteZ3R0 11 months ago
Comment removed
steeeeevve 11 months ago
@AbsoluteZ3R0
Thanks for that response. Shows great insight . I will treasure it always.
steeeeevve 11 months ago
Comment removed
steeeeevve 11 months ago
@steeeeevve Sorry man, your comment was just really ambiguous. I still don't really understand what you're trying to say.
P.S. I saw your comment about mentioning that Delius was an English composer before you deleted it and replaced it with this one.
AbsoluteZ3R0 11 months ago
Comment removed
steeeeevve 11 months ago
3:43 is awesome. After playing those measures, you've feel like you accomplished so much. At least at that time anyways. Love this concerto!
Nakiki18 11 months ago
Brilliant. Primrose really shows how a viola should be played and proves that the instrument is not just an unfortunate necessity to an orchestra. I think that too many violinist try to play the instrument using violin techniques. Unfortunately, they produce a thin washed out sound. Primrose is a viola player through and through.
AndyinMokum 1 year ago
I'm all about this recording. After all, Walton himself is the conductor and the piece is his creation. I'm sure he had very specific ideas about how it should go!
formersk8ter 1 year ago
I haven't listened to this recording in some time. As I listen to it, I wonder how people can dislike it. The only explanation I can come up with is that if people have a different conception of what this piece is "supposed" to sound like due to having heard other players/recordings then they might find Primrose's interpretation to be somewhat outlandish. Still, I don't understand how listening to this doesn't open the unfamiliar listener's mind to a different playing style for this piece.
AbsoluteZ3R0 1 year ago 6
@AbsoluteZ3R0 The dislikes may be coming from people that don't like the Walton Concerto at all. I, for one, don't often like 20th century concertos that have made it into the standard repertoire. However, I could never dislike any recording by Primrose. No matter what I feel about a piece, this man played it spectacularly.
OracleMSU 1 year ago
@OracleMSU It's possible, but I think non-atonal 20th century music is actually pretty popular
AbsoluteZ3R0 1 year ago
@AbsoluteZ3R0 its pretty too!
catnip4life55 9 months ago
I just listened to Nigel Kennedys version which was ok.
But this is one level higher! I can hear the "desperate longing"here.
It is just a masterpiece of music!
I hope the internet and youtube will make people discover wonderful music like this : Walton viola concerto
William Primrose, I take my hat of in admiration.
maxhansendk 1 year ago 3
This playing is absolutely phenomenal!
It is "Viola" I know. Darker then a violin. But very, very "expressive".
William Primrose should get more credit for his wonderful playing!
It makes me sad that Vengerov who is an amateur ("at playing the Viola") gets more recognition - When this much better version of "the Walton viola concerto" is up here on youtube for everybody to enjoy.
maxhansendk 1 year ago
I have just taken up the viola, and William Primrose was ONE of the greatest violist ever. Right up there with Lionel Tertis.
MrMKH2010 1 year ago
I think I actually like the Bashmet recording better than this one, purely for stylistic reasons; I'm not saying he's playing incorrectly, I just personally prefer the Romantic style that Bashmet uses for this piece. However, for any other piece, I'd rather hear a Primrose recording.
kylepate1 1 year ago
I just LOVE Primrose!!! I just can't say anything else.
I first heard him when I bought this very concerto rendition on an old LP. Love at first sight (or hearing...). Thanks for posting it.
violainmusic 1 year ago
one of the true great artist. Thanks for posting this.
TedALane 1 year ago
I'm going to learn this piece! But the double-stops scare me...
KevinNa7 1 year ago
@KevinNa7 i heard this piece and told my teacher i wanted to play it. then i saw the music and almost changed my mind. if you get a good fingering for them, they're not horrible to play.
nalogirl93 1 year ago
@nalogirl93 lol, ya this piece definetly requires some thought to be put into the fingerings. you can tell he wrote it for the cool harmonies, not nessecarily to make an incredibly playable concerto=)
ggalexhutchings 1 year ago
Is Tonywsmith a violist? or just nuts- like saying Paganini was bad because he played too fast !!!!
drjimding 1 year ago
@drjimding
I'm surprised you can even spell "violist." Did your caregiver help you out with the
spelling?
tonywsmith2 1 year ago
@tonywsmith2 Insults seem to work when you run out of ideas !! ( sorry, I have to leave to go back to the OR )
drjimding 1 year ago
@drjimding
Make sure to wear your bracelet or to wear your name tag.
tonywsmith2 1 year ago
@tonywsmith2 you're pretty funny--(even if uninformed). Must be from NY The first recording I ever purchased was William Primrose .My teacher was first viola with the Pittsburg Symphony in his youth.
drjimding 1 year ago
@drjimding . . . Don't mince words. OR WHAT!
tonywsmith2 1 year ago
@tonywsmith2
drjimding 1 year ago
One of the greatest viola concertos played the greatest violist...
OrchestralOutcast 1 year ago 2
Thanks, AbsoluteZ3RO. I need to hear that from a violist. I knew this guy was a klutz..
tonywsmith2 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This guy is all thumbs. Why didn't he take the time to learn the basics of viola playing?
tonywsmith2 1 year ago
@tonywsmith2 yeah you're right
AbsoluteZ3R0 1 year ago
@tonywsmith2
drjimding 1 year ago
@tonywsmith2 -all thumbs ?? tony is nuts
drjimding 1 year ago
@tonywsmith2 "This guy"??? You're talking about one of the 20th century's finest violists. Idiot. Once you can play 1/20th as well, let's talk.
malthuswasright 1 year ago 11
@malthuswasright lol sarcasm fail
AbsoluteZ3R0 1 year ago 6
@AbsoluteZ3R0
I think that maybe, just maybe, there's a little perception out there, after all.
Thanks, AbsoluteZ3RO. You ain' no fool. (You knew all along that I think
Primrose was dynamite. Jeez, for someone who calls himself "Malthus,"
he's quite the footdragger. Does he sleep with his tongue hanging out?)
was dynamite).
tonywsmith2 1 year ago
@malthuswasright . . . well you're right about one thing @malthuswasright: Malthus was right. But otherwise, I dunno . . . I feel the jury should still be out on this
Primrose guy. For money, he sounds like a grinder.
tonywsmith2 1 year ago
I keep coming back to this - it is absolutely amazing. I think the piece - possibly even this version- was used a s the theme music for the Sherlock Holmes series made by the BBC in the 1960s by the way. WOuld love to hear his 2 and 3 movts - even if the tempo is crazy!
mhalfy1 1 year ago
This is the BEST!!!! Primrose's playing really has a lot of fire and an amazing sound!!!
violagirl78 1 year ago
very lovely, indeed....thanks for uploading
dampelantje 1 year ago
dude primrose is a total genius in this video he shows how to play this
Mrfirebird100 1 year ago
dude primrose is a total genius in this video he shows how to play this
Mrfirebird100 1 year ago
dude primrose is a total genius in this video he shows how to play this
Mrfirebird100 1 year ago
dude primrose is a total genius in this video he shows how to play this
Mrfirebird100 1 year ago
this concerto is hard dude but viola lacks of concerto like haydn cello concerto 3rd mov but this concerto is cool i like primrose way of playing this instead of bashmet.Can you upload the 3 mov?
Mrfirebird100 1 year ago
primrose was just a GENIUS!!! he has a really fine sound.... :P
isahanako 1 year ago
Primrose's fingerings/interpretation is by far the best in my opinion.
Bahfreakee 1 year ago
Primrose was really self conscious about the fingerings he used and usually wouldn't share them with anybody because he was afraid they'd think he was crazy. Most fingerings in Primrose editions aren't actually the fingerings he used :)
kylepate1 1 year ago
@kylepate1
ya but i actually have his fingerings...no the edition's ones
Bahfreakee 1 year ago
Great slide show Absolute!!
calloffthedogs 1 year ago
Priemrose foi o cara... Viva ele.
ordnael7 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
can you tell me a viola concerto that is hard but not boring and is cool
1996stu 2 years ago
Yes: This one.
AbsoluteZ3R0 2 years ago 12
I don't mind the faster tempo. The slower tempo just drags on and on.
This flows and is extremely powerful.
DhAoS1020 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
its too fast, especially at figure 15 which is marked piu lento
cadlelack 2 years ago
You realize Walton himself is conducting?!!!
LuigiScattagomazza 2 years ago 6
He also conducted versions where the soloist played at a more relaxed tempo,
danccaddy 2 years ago
Oh, Ok. Sorry, I haven't heard them. Interesting to know why the difference.
LuigiScattagomazza 2 years ago
He also conducted renditions where the soloist plays it even more quickly than this.
AbsoluteZ3R0 2 years ago
Superb tone and performance!
Tonefid115 2 years ago 2
I will be honest in saying that I do not take as much issue with Vengerov's recording as many others do (and some are quite militant about their disapproval!), but Primrose's rendition remains my favourite even through the abysmal LP sound quality.
Beside, there are renditions that are far worse than Vengerov's. Ever heard of Nigel Kennedy? Atrocious.
MusicaRicercata 2 years ago 5
Comment removed
MusicaRicercata 2 years ago
...and the divisive sectionalism continues.
MusicaRicercata 2 years ago
just beutiful
MSUrox25 2 years ago
I think this interpretation has a lot of presence, energy and excitement. All other versions i have heard give me a feeling of sadness and relax, maybe its me but i think primrose adds a lot of stuff to this. And sorry for my bad english.
xujam 2 years ago 2
I believe Paul Hindemith premiered this piece. Do you all know this? He was a Monster player.
nauJRodriguez 2 years ago
According to my professor, Hindemith was kind of a bad violist, but I find that hard to believe.
AbsoluteZ3R0 2 years ago
Yes, you are right, your "professor" had no idea about what he was saying. There is a recording that you should get; Koch-Schwann 3-1134-2 of Hind. conduct. Mathis der Maler, his Trio and the Amar quartet made few recordings. Hindemiths rhythm was better than anyone, thats a fact. I studied his books and learned from one of his #1 students. He was like Bach. Some of his music is just out of this world, like Herodiade, if you can find a group that plays it well. None on you-tube, I'm afraid
nauJRodriguez 2 years ago
I have a CD of Hindemith playing viola (his own piece, actually- Der Schwanendreher), and he is not bad, but he is not great either. If he had dedicated his life to becoming a violist, and not a composer, no doubt he would have turned into a great violist, but his playing is just good, and not amazing.
BratscheBeast 2 years ago 4
Hindemith was not a virtuoso like Bashmet or Vengerov or Primrose but the recordings he made in the US (when he needed money...) do prove he was an honorable professional player.
patrickloiseleur 2 years ago 2
wow...never knew about this guy till now, superb!!
heilogif 2 years ago
Primrose or Walton. Primrose is a monster player and did a lot of fantastic recordings. He makes many violin players go home and practice.
nauJRodriguez 2 years ago 7
He was born across the road from my flat! There's even a commemorative plaque up on the wall. Did a bit of researching after seeing that as i was curious and i didn't realise he was so good, or in fact, so well known and respected. I feel a bit stupid now for not knowing who he was before!
parkranger86 2 years ago 2
My viola teacher used to learn from Primrose!
IVIusic 2 years ago
i believe primrose plays this piece unparalleled sophisticated excellence. Something that i haven't heard anyone else do.Everyone just seems to over exaggerate certain parts of this piece. no one plays this piece the way primrose did. his playing is unmatched on this concerto
sheepbird 3 years ago 26
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I still reside with the opinion that Vengerov played the concerto better
soadfan 2 years ago
I have to agree with you.. vengerov's is incredible
releasethefrogs 2 years ago
i know dude right? It has incredible interpretation and vitality...perfect orchestration, juicy double stops that make my spin quiver...ahh, good stuff indeed
soadfan 2 years ago 3
If you're looking for an excellent orchestra and a "juicy" sound I would highly recommend Yuri Bashmet's recording. Personally, I'm not too fond of Vengerov's playing for the most part. If you haven't already, you should try Bashmet's recording and see what you think. It's my favorite along with this one, but it's completely different.
AbsoluteZ3R0 2 years ago
Ah Yes!! i know, i've heard the itunes 30 second sample of Bashmet playing the Walton...and believe me, i really want-NEED that recording! it sounds terrific. Bashmet is my favorite violist! i adore his strong playing...owning his Bartok viola concerto, gubaidulina viola concerto...oh man, i love his vibrato and intensity! thanks though, i really want to hear that recording
soadfan 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i definetly disagree- Vengerov's performance of this is stunningly beautiful and magnificent- combining technical profiency of the legato double stops that primrose seems to kind of stutter with and with that unmatched viola tone...magnifico! everyone check out Maxim Vengerov performing the Walton viola concerto...along with the Britten violin concerto
soadfan 3 years ago
Haha good one
AbsoluteZ3R0 3 years ago
Actually I like both Primrose's and Kennedy's performances, even if they're quite different. And I think this performance is musical too...
ocramizz 3 years ago 4
i am sure he must have asked Mr. walton many questions to make sure his interpretation was as close to what mr. walton wanted as possible
sheepbird 3 years ago
@sheepbird. I think you are right.
Thats also my opinion
DONGINO22 3 years ago
lmao these people are so stupid you cant say this piece wasnt played perfectly. This is by far the best version of the walton. im so sure that the way it is played now is how its supposed to sound. the bite is what walton wanted and its how i hear it. the composers interpretation is the only actual "right" interpretation. The other ones are only better by opinion. But the truth is primrose went very deep into study of how his pieces should be played.
sheepbird 3 years ago
I'm so glad you talked to Walton himself and know all his thoughts!!! Omg, good job.
But fyi, composers change their minds A LOT about how a piece should be played. So the composer's interpretation might be the best, but it is also arbitrary.
Also, in case you didn't know, Primrose was infamous for (at times) sacrificing musicality for the sake of virtuosity.
182278 3 years ago
No disrespect to Primrose of course.
182278 3 years ago
i didnt talk to walton but im positive primrose did. And even if walton changes his mind, at the time of this recording this is how walton wanted it. I'm pretty sure if they do change there mind they dont completely stray from the sound they want
sheepbird 3 years ago
(continued) than this! There is nothing wrong with Primrose's interpretation of the Walton. It's my personal favorite. I think he gives it more emotion/character than anybody else does.
AbsoluteZ3R0 3 years ago
thank you! at least one person sees it the way i do
sheepbird 3 years ago 2
I don't think Primrose ever sacrificed musicality for virtuosity. In a sense, virtuosity is a very stunning musical effect, and therefore, virtuosity can not be considered amusical. Therefore, if he sacrificed some degree of lyricism and replaced it with virtuosity, he would not destroying the musicality, but rather, changing and/or enhancing it. It was his style of playing. I've heard another recording of the Walton with a different violist (but Walton still conducting) and it was even FASTER
AbsoluteZ3R0 3 years ago
K, how about we agree to disagree and end this argument, huh?
But as a last note, NO ONE is nor should they ever doubt that Primrose was a LEGENDARY violist. But the fact is that sometimes he just played things too damn fast, and while virtuosity might me a "musical effect", not all pieces call for it. This piece is virtuosic at times, but much of it is lyrical and vulnerable. But this piece was new back then so this piece was probably experimental for Primrose.
182278 3 years ago 4
Absolute, did Walton compose this for Primrose or for Hindimith? IMHO nobody better that Primrose on viola, not even Zukerman or De Pasquale.
calloffthedogs 3 years ago
This concerto was actually written for Lionel Tertis, however Tertis refused to play the piece (at first) so it was premiered by Paul Hindemith. I agree, there is none better on viola than Primrose.
AbsoluteZ3R0 3 years ago
Didnt Tertis "finish" the Bartok Viola Concerto - which as I know the story, was written on scraps of paper and loose sheets? I should know this as I played the dog gone instrument. But it has been so long I dont remember.
calloffthedogs 3 years ago
c'était Tibor Serly qui a fini le Bartok
hsumusic1 2 years ago
I played this piece in highschool. My teacher studied at Curtis and then was under Primrose for a time while at Indiana. I have a copy of a of the solo part with fingerings in Primrose's own handwriting!!
calloffthedogs 2 years ago
oh my freakin goodness. how old r u? that is soo amazing. Primrose is one of the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jpboy1994 2 years ago
Comment removed
violabrain 2 years ago
Well a lot of times, with musicians as reputable as Primrose, conductors are sometimes intimidated--afraid to speak out. So this may not necessarily represent Walton's ideal interpretation.
182278 3 years ago
It's highly possible that you're right, but the composer's interpretation isn't always the best interpretation. I fear that this video may be ruining Primrose's reputation rather than bolstering it so I may upload some more recordings in the future.
AbsoluteZ3R0 3 years ago
Perfectly true. Primrose made a fair few changes to the solo part, particularly in the second movement. Primrose felt them necessary due to his virtuoso stature. Walton didn't actually like the changes.
alsozoidberg 3 years ago
Since I know you guys here are experts on this piece, maybe you can help me out with this.
This piece is always known as being largely inspired off of Prokofiev's first Violin Concerto.
Now, it's very possible that I'm missing something very obvious, but: what is the inspiration from the Prokofiev?
I mean, I hear absolutely NO similarities in sound, technique, etc. that would ever make me think that this piece is inspired by Prokofievs.
Giuliani7222 3 years ago
That would take an immense amount of effort, too busy practicing. I'd rather just email you the files - send me a message with your email in. As for Walton, Primrose's interpretation is pretty dated. He plays it with far too much bite, loudly with overly noticable separate bowings. Definitely listen to Kennedy's. It's a perfect version. Very sort of 'longing' interpretation. Very dark. Primrose uses too much vibrato. But I've only heard his interpretation of the first movement.
alsozoidberg 3 years ago
If you think that Nigel kennedy plays this better than William Primrose then I can't take your opinion seriously, sorry lol.
AbsoluteZ3R0 3 years ago
You are arrogant and rude, so I'll make this as brief as I can. You clearly haven't heard Kennedy's recording, nor, apparently, any other - which renders your opinion meaningless. I have six different recordings of this work and have at least provided reasons for my opinion. You have not. Just because Primrose was the first great violist doesn't mean he is the only great violist. This version is a joke. It's poorly recorded, and played without a shred of musicality or respect for the piece.
alsozoidberg 3 years ago
Actually, I have heard SEVERAL other renditions of the Walton. Why would I say I don't like Nigel Kennedy's rendition if I hadn't listened to him play this before? I feel that Primrose's rendition is the most emotional of any of the one's I've heard. The rest I've heard either sound somewhat melodramatic or lack musical motion/direction. There is a ton of musicality in this recording. I feel sorry for you if you can't hear it.
AbsoluteZ3R0 3 years ago
"This version is a joke. It's poorly recorded, and played without a shred of musicality or respect for the piece. "
WTF - William Walton himself is conducting. And yes it is a bad recording, but if you cannot hear the musicality you are clearly a retard.
Clarkedj2140 3 years ago 2
What a wanker thing to say. Maybe, just maybe can you accept that some people see Kennedy's as a better performance?
h4xXx0r 3 years ago
I could accept that. I would just see that person like my current stand partner. I just wouldn't weigh his opinion very seriously because his opinion would be opposed 99.999999999999999999% of the time.
KoLIdiot 3 years ago
Viola ROCKS!!! 'nuff said
Deep40000 3 years ago
Primrose himself wrote in his book that walton made the adjustments because of pressure of his virtuoso stature. That later he found out Walton didn't like the changes. I love him don't get me wrong
pviola314 3 years ago
The changes were made only to the 2nd movement, not this one. There is another recording of Walton conducting and the first movement is even faster than this. The reason Walton did not like the changes to the 2nd movement is because at quarter = 152 the very specific articulations he wrote in were nearly impossible to play at the tempo. However, the composer's interpretation is not necessarily the "right" or "best" interpretation. That's the beauty of musical interpretation.
AbsoluteZ3R0 3 years ago
Sorry I have to disagree again on this point. The changes to the first movt included bowings, a few notes (the infamous sixth passage has a little grace at the beginning) as well as other thing. Walton himself enjoyed the Frederick Riddle rendition as closer to original. I agree though and I think just trying to copy Walton's original will not always yield the best all the time, that would be quite a square approach perhaps. What Primrose aimed for was revolutionary.
pviola314 3 years ago
This work is difficult to play and is rare on YouTube. I personally like the skill, clarity and interpretation by the musicians and director. William Primrose interprets with great maturity and vitality. Does anyone have the rest of it? (rhetorical)
philomorphologian 3 years ago
William Primrose was/is the greatest violist ever. The people who have the gall to say anything negative about him disgust me. If you think you can play it better, than post a video.
hurlyn88 3 years ago
primrose's 1st movement is great,
however he is most notably known for
his insane tempo ont eh 2nd...anyone
have a copy? i just have the music and
i dont want to make a video
bhiller08 3 years ago
Thank you for posting this.
iS ALWAYS a honour to listen such an amazing violist. We must consider the time the recording was made...On the other hand, I think we are used already with nwe recordings wich are, I think, "switch" from the studios machines (sorry for my english, I m not a native spoker) Anyway, he is a GREAT MUSICIAN !!!!!
luminitza64 3 years ago
Every time I listen to this recording, I notice more and more little 'things', to say the least.
He's is playing SSOO quickly. The part around 5:50 and 6:00 sound SSSOOO fast. And I am increasinly noticing the accents which are out of control
Did you turn up the speed on this recording? Cause it sounds out of pitch too.
Giuliani7222 3 years ago
Is this the original version of the piece, or the updated version?
(Sorry, I dont really know much about this piece's history.)
Giuliani7222 3 years ago
Well, half and half it's a complicated answer. Primrose made so many adjustments to the solo so what he played was different (some octave displacements, added graces, added octaves, tempo markings, etc.). That edition got published to some extent but the newest one out is the one Walton approves. The orchestration might have been half changed I don't know about this particular recording.
pviola314 3 years ago
i personally can't STAND the way he plays this piece. he accents practically every other note and the phrasing is so limited. also he has some surprising intonation issues.
though i do KNOW he's crazy good, trust me.
calebpaxton 3 years ago
I'm disagreeing with you, cause I know we all have our own tastes. But I think the way this recording is done is the way the piece is supposed to be played.
Giuliani7222 3 years ago 3
Listen to Kreisler and you'll recognize that was who Primrose was emulating. I'm sure a lot of people can't stand Kreisler's playing today, but that is their problem, not the master's. I don't know what "limited" means with regard to the phrasing but I don't concur. Primrose's control over the phrasing is masterful. He knew exactly what he was doing, and executed it masterfully. Your point regarding the intonation is valid; Primrose often played very out of tune.His strengths made up for it.
joshd321 3 years ago
hmmm i agree with you and Giuliani both it being about matter of opinion, and i shouldn't say that he's playing anything wrong, because like you said: he's playing it exactly the way he wants to play and thats all that matters. As far my comment on phrasing goes, it just feels like he's emphasizing measures, not lines of music, but thats just me =].
(P.S thanks for not attackin me haha)
codnavcue 3 years ago
I agree, for Walton there are much better for me too. One has to understand that he was one of the first really recording this and so there was no standard way to play it then as we have now. I don't mind the phrasing, but it's of an old school which we can't do nowadays without being scoffed at. Intonation sometimes is out but again that's because audio engineering and no. of takes were different back then, not like today where everyone sounds relatively in tune, but not live.
pviola314 3 years ago
I partly agree, I personally am not a fan of this rendition and the phrasing was to my liking. But it has its own charm to it and I agree that he is playing the way he wants it to be played. My only issue about Primrose's playing is his viola which I think sounds horrible. It has a real wolf tone to it and it isn't very mellow.
horn0viola 3 years ago
i never noticed that he looks like walt disney
italianfantasy777 3 years ago
Beautiful
fittingthemold 3 years ago
I listened to the Concerto for Viola by Vaclav Nelhybel, which included a document that slightly compared this piece to his.
Beauty is the only word I can use to desribe such masterpieces.
Giuliani7222 3 years ago
one thing he never had.....he started on violin
master28066 3 years ago
a violist who played like a god!
AmkoPsicotico 3 years ago
can you upload the 3rd movement?
mymainmanrichieT 3 years ago
that would be nice :D
IPASCALI 3 years ago
espectacular!!!!!!!!!
daesralo 3 years ago
Gorgeous! Anybody have the Primrose Mozart Sinfonia Concertante?
NHCello 3 years ago 2
You have to be there live to fully understand the magnificence of this performance. Also, why are there no posts for the Bartok viola concerto, I ve looked everywhere but nothing, I would post one up if I could find a competent pianist lol.
Mannwichsandwich1 3 years ago 2
I have a recording of myself playing it that I was tempted to post.. but I also realized that no one else has put up anything for it! Ah, I don't want to be the only (crappy) example of the piece.. haha
twist19 3 years ago
Very good job with slides. I liked the one at 03:53 when the double stops start, and he's holding two violas. Very funny!
Amazing how differently e plays from all the versions we play today, and under the button of Walton itself. Walton gave him so much freedom.
nmrkg 3 years ago 2
So at first I thought it was a coincidence that thedbasssit had said Orlando, and this was a viola concerto and all. And then I looked at the other comments hahaha.
izzomizzo 3 years ago
Sounds a little too modern, but the skill level is great of the musicians
Shadowtech666 3 years ago
This is kinda when our contemporary time was coming into play. If you watch a lot of those really old shows that are black and white and listen to the music you can kinda hear a bit of romantic period in it.
violalord1 3 years ago
yeah thats exactly what i meant the musicians are amazing though.
Shadowtech666 3 years ago
Wonderful. Thanks for posting this
zaaaaazzzzz 4 years ago
??? violinist ???
mojozohobo 4 years ago
Best violist ever...
Farnik01 4 years ago 5
we are simply listening to the greatest viola player of all times.
Rephrat 4 years ago 6
Yeah he was
Shadowtech666 4 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Whoa ladies, lets calm it down. We all know this kid "Orlando" is just a fag who masturbates all the time.
thedbassist 4 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Who doesn't masturbate all the time?
ThaSchwab 3 years ago
When I was 16 and playing in my first pro. orchestra there was a young cello soloist; during reh. break I could hear my section leader and his stand partner, (both my teachers) grumbling about the guy's sloppy technique and intonation. That cellist was Yo Yo Ma. I am NO legend; Primrose WAS, Menuhin WAS, and now Yo Yo Ma is. I think I'll go and practice now.
walllboy 4 years ago 3
Wow that is kind of interesting, yes Yo-yo ma has some intonation issues but he is a unique and amazing player nonetheless, i think its more of his choice of an old cello personally.
Shadowtech666 4 years ago
such an interesting piece of music ive must have listened to this video a million times and i enjoy more every time. being such a wierd piece it must be extremely difficult to memorize
sheepbird 4 years ago
Have any of you planning to audition for college considered playing Der Schwanendreher, Walton or Bartok? they aren't all as inaccessible as some people here make it sound.
I don't think this is one of Primrose's better recordings. now, somebody post the Brahms sonatas or Der Schwanendreher and I'll be happy, if you post the Brahms two songs with Marian Anderson and Franz Rupp and you'll have the best recording Primrose made that I've heard, in my opinion.
heyguesswhatno 4 years ago
beter than vengerov...
violaplayer1995 4 years ago
true...but Vengerov is the greatest violinist alive today in most people's opinion. He doesn't play viola everyday ya know.
DevilViolinist 4 years ago
oh yea. well where is alexander markov? or perlman or chuiang li r they dead?
Aletamalee 4 years ago
I know that there are OTHER great violinists, but how many play viola aswell? Also, Vengerov has played more pieces than most other violinists. He's not my favourite violinist either, so I'm not just saying that he's the greatest; there's other evidence to proove that he will go higher than any other violinist today. I love Itzhak Perlman (one of the greatest violinists) but any one else who WAS great and ISN'T alive are also my favourites like Jascha Heiftez and Yehudi Menuhin!!!
DevilViolinist 4 years ago
where in florida do you live? (I'm a resident).. what do you play and have you done all-state?
IhaveaCstring 4 years ago
I live in Tampa, Florida. And yes I have done all state (I play viola)
AbsoluteZ3R0 4 years ago