William Primrose (August 23, 1903 - May 1, 1982) was a Scottish violist and teacher, probably the best known viola player of his time.

Primrose was born in Glasgow and studied violin there and, later, at the then Guildhall School of Music in London. From there he moved to Belgium to study under Eugène Ysaÿe who encouraged him to take up the viola instead. He found success on the instrument, playing in the NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini and touring Europe and America as a soloist. In 1944 he commissioned a viola concerto from Béla Bartók.

Later in his life, Primrose became a noted teacher, writing several books on viola playing and teaching widely Japan and in the USA, occasionally at The Juilliard School and the Eastman School of Music.

William Primrose died from cancer in Provo, Utah.

For his contribution to the recording industry, Primrose has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.

External links

• A discussion of one of Primrose's greatest recordings