The viola is a stringed instrument. Currently, it enjoys undeservedly low popularity, despite the fact that the instrument's capabilities are incredible. The viola is the oldest of all modern orchestral bowed instruments. The time of its creation is considered the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries.
Instructions
Step 1
The viola is designed in exactly the same way as the violin, but it is slightly larger in size, therefore it sounds in a lower key. Its strings are built one octave higher than the cello and one fifth lower than the violin (C, G of the minor octave, D, A of the first octave). Most often, when performed, the range from to a small octave to E of the third octave is used. If the alto is a soloist, then often its range expands towards higher sounds. Notes for him are recorded in alto and treble clefs.
Step 2
Due to the fact that the viola is somewhat larger in size than the violin, not everyone can play it. For the same reason, the sound and technique on this instrument are slightly different from the violin. The fingers on the left hand require a very good stretch, but even if there is, the viola is very difficult to play with a medium-sized palm.
Step 3
The alto has a bright timbre, it gives a thick, slightly velvety sound, especially pleasant in the lower register, and slightly nasal in the upper register. It is not as bright as a violin, but viola lovers love precisely this softness of its sound. The unusual timbre of the viola is explained by the fact that the resonant body of modern instruments has dimensions from 38 to 43 cm, while the optimal length for its tuning would be 46-47 cm. It is precisely this size that the old masters made it, and according to the assurances of experienced music lovers, to meet a violist with an instrument of the ideal size is an unforgettable memory, as the sound of such an instrument is amazingly beautiful. The classical viola is usually played by experienced musicians who have very good technique. Such violas cannot be found in an orchestra, they perform solo.
Step 4
Due to the fact that the solo viola is extremely rare, its repertoire is also not very wide. But in the orchestra, the viola is used constantly, but there he is rarely entrusted with the main roles. Nevertheless, the viola is an indispensable participant in most symphony and string orchestras, and a string quartet is completely unthinkable without it. The viola can also be found in a piano quartet or quintet, string trio and other formations.
Step 5
It is impossible to start learning to play the viola as a child due to the size of the instrument. They usually switch to it when they graduate from a music school, or in later years, at a conservatory or college. It is known that Nicolo Paganini, a virtuoso violin player, had very long fingers and was a skilled violist. Another famous performer who combined viola with violin is David Oistrakh. However, in today's orchestra, violists are often viewed as failed violinists. It is not often that musicians choose the viola as their instrument out of love for it.
Step 6
Among the composers there are viola fans who willingly give him the main role in their works. The first to do this was Etienne Maul in the 18th century. In his opera Uthal, the viola played the first part. Another viola fan, Hector Berlioz, dedicated Harold's symphony to the viola. Berlioz wanted this part to be played by Paganini, but, unfortunately, this plan was never carried out.
