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My Viola and I
Tertis's autobiography includes chapters on the beauty of tone in string playing and the Tertis model viola.
186 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 10, 2018
A wonderful look at the history of the viola and music making during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. This is must reading for violists or for those concerned with the history of music. Lionel Tertis, a violist, teacher, and violist designer paved the way towards the modern viola; violists who haven't heard of him should have their viola taken away for not knowing their own vital history!
January 26, 2012
I have a confession to make: I don't know a lot about some of the older artists like Tertis and Pablo Casals (cellist) who made major impacts on the way different instruments are viewed and used in composition. I don't know about a lot of the famous artists in general. There's time for that to change.
Anyway, I ended up learning a lot from this book. I never knew the viola was so rejected by orchestras. Lionel Tertis took it upon himself to change that view and he did it. Very cool.
At the end of the book, there are tips for making the most of playing solo, in a group, and for composers wanting to highlight the viola. All useful, all good to remember. He's another person that I'd love to meet and thank...I have a feeling that won't happen unless he comes back to life. Oh well. Thank you, Lionel!
Anyway, I ended up learning a lot from this book. I never knew the viola was so rejected by orchestras. Lionel Tertis took it upon himself to change that view and he did it. Very cool.
At the end of the book, there are tips for making the most of playing solo, in a group, and for composers wanting to highlight the viola. All useful, all good to remember. He's another person that I'd love to meet and thank...I have a feeling that won't happen unless he comes back to life. Oh well. Thank you, Lionel!
June 11, 2014
Personally, I really enjoyed this book however it is something that would probably bore the general population. It is the memoir of Lionel Tertis who was the first person to bring the viola into a soloist role in the modern times. Prior to all his wok the viola was really only considered as an orchestral/chamber music instrument. Although a few solos had been written for it, not many existed. Tertis changed all of that however and modern violists owe our career to him. So from a geeky, music nerd perspective I was fascinated by many of the stories told in this book
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews