Fifteen Characteristic Studies for viola by Lillian Fuchs
Published by Oxford University Press
Violist, teacher, and composer Lillian Fuchs (1901-95) was one of the outstanding players of her generation. As a violist, she was master of repertory standards--Pablo Casals once remarked that her performance of the Bach suites on viola made them sound better than on cello. She also played rarities and commissioned new works, such as Bohuslav Martinu's ''Three Madrigals'' for violin and viola for herself and her brother Joseph. Her influence as a teacher of both viola and chamber music was great--her pupils included Isaac Stern, Pinchas Zukerman, and Dorothy DeLay.
Fuchs wrote several collections of technical studies for viola, all noted for their musicality and imagination. Her ''Fifteen Characteristic Studies" are progressive, testing skills ranging from chordal stops, special bowings, and clef literacy. They are as gratifying to the concert performer as to the dedicated student. For advanced players.
