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Lionel Tertis – The First Great Virtuoso of the Viola First Edition
Author(s): John White (Author)
- Publisher: Boydell Press
- Publication Date: 19 Oct. 2006
- Edition: First Edition
- Language: English
- Print length: 456 pages
- ISBN-10: 184383278X
- ISBN-13: 9781843832782
Book Description
This new biography examines the life and work of Lionel Tertis, almost solely responsible for the rise of the viola in the twentieth century. Lionel Tertis [1876-1975] stands in the company of Ysaÿe, Kreisler, Casals, Thibaud and Rubinstein as one of the greatest instrumentalists – and arguably the greatest viola player – of all time. Such composers as Arnold Bax, Holst, and Vaughan Williams all wrote significant works for him; he was a member of a number of prominent string quartets; and he was later to design and promote his own ‘Tertis model’ viola. He is virtually synonymous with the increasing importance of the viola as a solo and recital instrument alongside the violin and the cello. This biography, the first full-length survey of his life, tells how he rose from humble beginnings to become ‘the father of themodern viola’. It explores in detail his long and distinguished career, persuading composers to write works for the viola, arranging existing works for the instrument, editing and performing the music, teaching and coaching in Great Britain, and his performances in the United States. JOHN WHITE is a prominent viola teacher and performer; in 2000 he was awarded the International Viola Society’s highest award for distinguished scholarship and contributions to the viola.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“All of us with an interest in the heartland of the British
musical renaissance should lose no time in getting this book.”
— British Music Society Newsletter
musical renaissance should lose no time in getting this book.”
— British Music Society Newsletter
A finely woven narrative drawn from a rich array of primary
sources. —
A must-read for every serious student [of the viola]. —
AMERICAN VIOLA SOCIETY, January 2007From the Publisher
In a March 2007 review in The Strad, the magazine for string
players worldwide, Nathaniel Vallois wrote “White, himself a distinguished
violist, has written a highly informed and engaging biography…He offers
an abundance of correspondence, articles, personal recollections and
tributes; these, complemented by touching photographs, vividly bring to
life Tertis’s indomitable, sometimes fearsome, yet lovable character and
even physical presence…This book is a must for violists and lovers of the
instrument, and will interest many beyond this sphere.”
players worldwide, Nathaniel Vallois wrote “White, himself a distinguished
violist, has written a highly informed and engaging biography…He offers
an abundance of correspondence, articles, personal recollections and
tributes; these, complemented by touching photographs, vividly bring to
life Tertis’s indomitable, sometimes fearsome, yet lovable character and
even physical presence…This book is a must for violists and lovers of the
instrument, and will interest many beyond this sphere.”
