Lionel Tertis

A pioneer in the effort to make the viola a respected solo instrument, Lionel Tertis survived early negative experiences as a pianist to become an artist prized for his high musical standards. As have other violists, Tertis came to the instrument by happenstance, but immediately recognized that his future lay with it. Aside from his distinguished playing, Tertis encouraged the broadening of the viola's repertory through new works and through transcriptions of those written for other instruments. Taken to London at age three, Tertis began piano lessons when he was five. He main...