Primrose, William. (1904–1982)
Three Letters Concerning South American Performances
An interesting group of letters from the leading violist of his time, a member of the London String Quartet and the NBC Symphony under Toscanini before embarking on an unprecedented successful solo career as violist. One ALS (2 pp., March 30, 1955) addressed to concert promoter Geraldo Uhlfelder, apologizes for Primrose's lateness in replying and asks to consider Uhlfelder's offer of South American appearances at a later date: "As things are I could not possibly consder coming to South America before 1956 at the earliest, so this gives us time to make arrangements." Two TLS to Uhlfelder's associate Werner Wagner (each 1 p., Dec 5, 1956 and July 19, 1958), also concern attempts to organize concerts in South America. In the first, Primrose writes: "I am deeply touched, I assure you, at your evident desire to have me in South America... However, I have already contracted to be, once more, at the Aspen Festival next summer. I am making tentative plans to visit Australian in 1958 and it might be possible to tie in South America at that time." In the last letter, Primrose writes that he has "overcome this neurotic fear of flying" and that "Mrs. Tillett has informed me that she is in the process of arranging a tour for me in South America... I hope you will be able to work out something with her." Hole punches and some light toning; overall fine.Geraldo Uhlfelder was the founder of the concert agency "Organización de Conciertos Gérard" in Buenos Aires, Argentine. Uhlfelder emigrated from Germany to Argentina in 1938 and founded his agency in 1948. He published his memoirs in 1990 with the title "Allegro ma non troppo". (10749)
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