The viola instrument and its history

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Alto is a stringed instrument that has a similar device with a violin. However, it is slightly larger, which is why its sound has a lower register. The viola strings are tuned in a special way. They are lower than the violin ones by a fifth, while they are higher than the cello ones by an octave. Viola notes are written in treble and alto clefs.

History of occurrence

The viola instrument is considered the earliest of the existing bow instruments. Its origin dates back to the 15th-16th centuries. This tool was the first to receive the form familiar to today. Designed by Antonio Stradivari. Viol for the hand is considered to be the ancestor of the viola. This instrument was held at the left shoulder. It should be mentioned that the closest relative - the viola da gamba was held on his knee. The Italian name for the musical instrument was shortened over time to viola. In this form, it is preserved in English. in German andsimilar to him horrible Bratsche. The viola instrument is measured in millimeters. There are specimens from 350 to 425 mm. The choice of size depends on the length of the hand of the performer. Of the violin series, it was the viola that most closely approached the violas, given the size and sound. Therefore, he quickly appeared in the orchestra, as a middle voice, he joined the symphony very harmoniously. The viola thus served as a bridge between the vanishing viol family and the violin instruments that were emerging at that time.

Game technique

Alto is a musical instrument that requires special technique. Playing on it is different from that inherent in the violin. The difference lies in the way the sound is produced. A playing technique that is more limited due to the large size and the need for significant stretching of the fingers. The timbre of the viola is matte, thick, less bright compared to the violin one, velvety in the lower register, somewhat nasal in the upper register. The dimensions of the body of the musical instrument do not correspond to the system. This is what creates an unusual timbre. With a length of 46 to 47 centimeters, the instrument has a length of 38 - 43 cm. Violas with large sizes, which are close to classical ones, are mainly played by solo performers. They have strong hands and developed technique. As a solo instrument, the viola is used relatively rarely. The point here is a small repertoire. However, relatively recently, many good violists have appeared, such as: Yuri Kramarov, Kim Kashkashyan, Yuri Bashmet. Main scopethis musical instrument remains string and symphony orchestras. Here solo episodes are dedicated to the viola, as well as middle voices. This musical instrument is an obligatory member of the string quartet. Can be used in other chamber compositions. For example, a piano quintet or quartet, or a string trio. Traditionally, they did not become violists from childhood, but switched to this instrument at a relatively mature age. As a rule, after graduating from a music school, during admission to a conservatory or college. Most often, violinists with a large physique, wide vibration and large hands switch to viola. Some great musicians combined two instruments. For example, David Oistrakh and Niccolo Paganini.

Famous musicians

The viola instrument was chosen by Yuri Abramovich Bashmet. Among other famous musicians who preferred our hero, it should be noted Vladimir Romanovich Bakaleinikov, Rudolf Borisovich Barshay, Igor Isaakovich Boguslavsky, Vadim Vasilyevich Borisovsky, Fedor Serafimovich Druzhinin, Yuri Markovich Kramarov, Tertis Lionel, Maurice Vieux, Maxim Rysanov, Kim Kashkashyan, Paul Hindemith, Tabea Zimmermann, Dmitry Vissarionovich Shebalin, William Primrose, Mikhail Benediktovich Kugel.

Artworks

The viola instrument with orchestra sounds in Mozart's "Concert Symphony", Niccolo Paganini's "Sonata", as well as in G. Berlioz, B. Bartok, Hindemith, William W alton, E. Denisov, A. Schnittke, G. F. Teleman, A. I. Golovina. The combination with the clavier is found in the works of M. I. Glinka, D. D. Shostakovich, Brahms, Schumann, Nikolai Roslavets, A. Khovaness. Solo can be heard in the works of Max Reger, Moses Weinberg, Ernst Krenek, Sebastian Bach, Paul Hindemith. Adolphe Adam's ballet "Giselle" could not do without our hero. It also sounds in the symphonic poem Don Quixote by Richard Strauss. The ballet Leo Delibes "Coppelia" did not do without it. We should also remember Janacek's opera The Makropulos Affair. It also sounds in Boris Asafiev's ballet The Fountain of Bakhchisarai.

Different principle

There is also a fundamentally different viola - wind instrument. It is commonly called Althorn. It is a brass musical instrument. It belongs to the saxhorn family. Range - A - es 2. Due to the inexpressive and dull sound, the scope of use is limited only to brass bands. There, as a rule, he is assigned medium votes.