JAVS Spring 2014

I N M EMORIAM

Professor of Viola at the Royal Academy of Music (and at one time head of instrumental studies), co founder of the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition on the Isle of Man, and in general one of the great friends of the viola. John died on December 1, 2013, at St. Clare’s Hospice, Harlow. He had lived at Harlow in Essex since the Alberni Quartet went there as the new town’s resident ensemble. John wrote a biography of Tertis, a book about British violists, and a book about yorkshire cricket, which was published only recently. Among the composers he worked with were Benjamin Britten, Alan Rawsthorne, Alan Bush, and Gordon Jacob. For a number of years John and his wife Carol organized little weekend viola festivals at the arts center near their home. David Dalton : One sees a person of his humble beginnings (as he himself indicated), musically even somewhat unpromising, rise above all that to make a major contribution to the world of his beloved instrument. He became one of Britain’s, and Europe’s, leading pedagogues, inspiring and rallying a multitude of loyal students around him. But his influence on inspiring violists transcended the studio when one considers the many hundreds from various corners of the world who have been the beneficiaries of the Tertis International Viola Competition. May we ardently hope that the administration of this event has been reliably ensconced in the hands of John’s faithful supporters so that it will be perpetuat ed. Perhaps that would prove to be his most lasting legacy to violists. If these accomplishments weren’t enough, John’s pro tean nature allowed him effective use not only of the bow, but the pen as well. His devotion to Lionel Tertis prompted him to bring to light and edit some of that great master’s arrangements. Other editions of English composers have been made accessible to violists through John’s enterprise. Then there are the

John White (photo courtesy of Dwight Pounds)

JohnWhite Remembered

Collected and edited by Dwight Pounds

[Editor’s Note: John White—violist, educator, author, music editor, and advocate for the viola— passed away on December 1, 2013, after a lengthy illness. We present here several tributes from his friends and colleagues.]

Tully Potter : RIP JOHN WHITE (1938–2013), founding member of the Alberni Quartet, longtime

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