Description
Book SynopsisLionel Tertis was internationally recognised to have been perhaps the greatest viola player of all time. That the viola is today an important solo instrument and orchestral unit is entirely his achievement, and his design of a large but easily manageable viola - the Tertis Model - has laid the foundations for a standard-sized instrument. The author describes his prodigious career with vigour and a remarkable recall of detail. The musicians and composers, many of them his close friends of whom he writes, include some of the most important in twentieth century music. A comprehensive bibliography of works written for solo viola is included as is a complete discography of the author's solo recordings.
Trade Review"This will not only become the bible for all viola players, but an historic document for all musicians and music lovers, covering as it does three-quarters of a century of music making all over the world." Gramophone; "Lionel Tertis was a legend in his own lifetime - he stood shoulder to shoulder with Ysaye, Kreisler, Casals, Cortot, Rubinstein and a galaxy of stars in the first four decades of the 20th century. He was the first great virtuoso of the viola and arguably the best, and [his] recordings bear testament to one of Britain's finest musicians." John White, Classic Record Collector
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations; Preface by Lillian Tertis: Acknowledgements; Author's Note; Foreword; 1. Formative Years; 2. Student Days; 3. Back Desk to Front Desk; 4. Hobbies; 5. The Young Mr Beecham- and New English Composers; 6. 1914-18; 7. American Tours; 8. Fruitful Years; 9. The Elgar Viola Concerto; 10. Heyday in the Thirties; 11. A Dark Cloud; 12. Collaboration with Beecham 1938-9; 13. Return to the Concert Platform - and America; 14. Octogenarian Activity; 15. Revolutionary Seating Plan for a Symphony Orchestra; 16. Nonagenarian Activity; 17. Reflection; Essays for the String Player: Beauty of Tone in String Playing; The Art of String Quartet Playing; Hints to Composers; The Tertis Model Viola; Appendices: Violin Craftsmen who make The Tertis Model Viola; Works for Viola Solo; Discography - Recordings by Lionel Tertis; Index
