Gerardy, Jean

1877-

Belgian violoncellist; born at Spa, son of a professor in the Liege .Conservatory, began the study of his instrument at the age of seven under Bellman, a member of the Heckman Quartet, and the next year entered the Conservatory at Verviers, where his progress was exceptional. He graduated from this institution in 1888, and immediately began a series of concert tours, first playing on the same program with Paderewski and Ysaye, and afterward in London, France, Germany, Russia, America, and Australia. He has appeared principally as a soloist, though occasionally playing in concerted music. Although when a boy his playing was heralded as an example of pure classical style, of later years his tendency has been to use modern compositions; not, however, to the extent of injuring his best characteristics as a virtuoso. Critics have said that no living violoncellist plays with greater charm. Though his playing is first and foremost that of a refined and intellectual artist, his tone reveals much breadth and power where the interpretation requires those qualities.

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