The viola player William Primrose studied the violin in his native city of Glasgow, in London, and in Belgium with Eugène Ysaÿe, who advised him to turn instead to the viola. He played in the London Quartet and then in the NBC Symphony Orchestra, during which time he established his own quartet. He then proceeded to a solo career, and several important composers (such as Bartók, Britten, Milhaud and Rochberg) wrote works for him.

Viola Music
Primrose was among the leading viola players of his generation, doing much to promote interest in the instrument. His compositions consist largely of pieces for the viola and include many transcriptions. Among works written for him was Bartók’s unfinished Viola Concerto.