Album insights
In the early 20th century, Lionel Tertis played a crucial role in elevating the viola to a solo instrument status. While Tertis often claimed sole credit for this development, London had talented violists even before his time, such as Émile Férir. However, Tertis, serving as a Viola professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London, significantly contributed to expanding the solo repertoire for this instrument. He encouraged younger composers at RAM to create sonatas and concertos, sparking a new wave of compositions. Notably, York Bowen was one of the first composers to respond to this call. The composers featured on this CD, both of whom began their careers as orchestral violists at the Queen's Hall Orchestra under Sir Henry Wood, played a vital role in leading the viola section.