In this exhaustively researched and compellingly written biography John White encapsulates this noble man and artist as never before...White's achievement is to bring not only his subject fully to life but also the times in which he lived via an impressive range of articles, recollections, reviews and letters...magnificent.
BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE [Julian Haylock]
A finely woven narrative drawn from a rich array of primary sources.
- Richard Osborne, THE OLDIE
White, himself a distinguished violist, has written a highly informed and engaging biography...He offers an abundance of correspondence, articles, personal recollections and tributes; these, complemented by touching photographs, vividly bring to life Tertis's indomitable, sometimes fearsome, yet lovable character and even physical presence...This book is a must for violists and lovers of the instrument, and will interest many beyond this sphere.
- Nathaniel Vallois, THE STRAD
With a variety of endearing photographs and a useful discography...the book contains a wealth of characterful detail...many things to be grateful for.
- Benjamin Ivry, CLASSIC RECORD COLLECTOR
John White's superb full length biography...all of us with an interest in the heartland of the British musical renaissance should lose no time in getting this book.
BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
The detailing and readability of this magnificent book from John White, the doyen of the viola and viola literature, is remarkable...anyone with an interest in the English musical renaissance will find the pages thronged with composers from that era. A well structured, sturdy and fascinating account of a life - a crusade for the viola and its repertoire.
MUSIC WEB INTERNATIONAL
This book belongs in the library of every school of music and in the personal library of every serious violist. NEWSLETTER of the
CANADIAN VIOLA SOCIETY
Hopefully this book, easily one of the greatest ever written about a violist, will find its way into hundreds of studios and libraries...and put Lionel Tertis' fascinating life and achievements into proper perspective.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VIOLA SOCIETY