Lionel Tertis

English viola player, composer, arranger and teacher Lionel Tertis was born in West Hartlepool, County Durham to Polish-Jewish immigrants on 29 December 1876. Initially he studied violin in Leipzig and at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where principal Alexander Mackenzie encouraged him to switch to the viola.

He became one of the best-known viola solists of his time, touring Europe and the USA. He played briefly in the Bohemian Quartet and later in the Walenn Quartet.

From 1900 he was professor of viola at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was able to persuade colleagues and students to compose for his instrument, expanding the viola repertoire considerably.

He retired from performing in 1937, apart from a special appearance as a soloist in 1949, to concentrate on teaching.

He composed several works for viola, and also arranged many pieces for the instrument, including Elgar's Cello Concerto.

Lionel Tertis died in Wimbledon, London on 22 February 1975, aged ninety-eight. In his memory, the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition was founded in 1980, and is held every three years at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin on the Isle of Man.

 

A selection of articles about Lionel Tertis

CD Spotlight. Subtle Colours - Gerald Fenech is impressed by another volume in John Wilson's cycle of music by Eric Coates. '... the performances are consistently joyous and exciting ...'

CD Spotlight. An Ideal Exponent - Eniko Magyar plays English viola music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully executed and superbly recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. Essentially Lyrical - Hindemith viola sonatas, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a committed and convincing performance throughout.'

CD Spotlight. Virtuoso Credentials - Music for viola and piano by York Bowen, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... above praise.'