num_pages: 456
description: 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 the modern 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.Table of ContentsThe Tertis FamilyEarly CareerThe First World WarChamber Music PlayersAmerican ToursReturn to the Royal Academy of MusicThe Elgar and Walton ConcertosThe BBC Orchestra, Delius, Bax and Vaughan WilliamsA Shock RetirementThe Richardson-Tertis ViolaThe Second World WarPromoting the Tertis Model ViolaReturn to America and Eightieth Birthday CelebrationsSecond Marriage and Last AppearanceTV Profile and Ninetieth BirhtdayFinal Years
language: English
title: Lionel Tertis: The First Great Virtuoso of the Viola
titlecomplete: Lionel Tertis: The First Great Virtuoso of the Viola
ratings_count: 4
publisher: Boydell Press