Instrument: Viola

Summary

In this video, Nick Bootiman, a viola player in the Philharmonia Orchestra, introduces the viola and demonstrates its various sounds and techniques. He explains how the viola differs from the violin in size and range, highlighting its role in the orchestra, positioned between the violins and the cellos. Nick demonstrates a variety of playing techniques, such as legato, pizzicato, ricochet, and using the wood of the bow. He also discusses the viola's evolving role in orchestral music, from accompanying harmonies to playing more prominent solos, showcasing its versatility and central place in the string section.

Takeaways

• 😀 The viola is similar to the violin in design but is larger by about one inch to one and a half inches, which creates a lower sound.
• 🎻 The viola has four strings: C (one octave below middle C), G, D, and A, while the violin has a top E string which the viola lacks.
• 🎶 The viola plays in the middle range of the orchestra, balancing the high violins and the lower cellos and basses.
• 🎼 The viola has various bowing techniques, including legato, detaché, ricochet, staccato, and pizzicato, providing a wide range of expressive possibilities.
• 🎻 Playing techniques like sul ponticello (near the bridge) create icy, cold sounds, while sul tasto (over the fingerboard) produces a softer tone.
• 🎶 The viola's versatility is showcased through special techniques such as knock effects, playing behind the bridge, and snap pizzicato, which are used in contemporary music.
• 🎻 The viola is often underrepresented in early symphonic works, typically doubling bass lines or filling harmonies rather than taking the melody.
• 🎼 As orchestral writing evolved, composers began to give the viola more prominent and independent roles, including solos in works like Berlioz's *Symphonie Fantastique*.
• 🎻 In contemporary music, composers push the boundaries of viola writing, allowing for more freedom and innovation in its use, as seen in Salonen's *Violin Concerto*.
• 🎶 The viola, like all string instruments, is versatile and plays a vital role in the heart of the orchestra, especially within the string section.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between a viola and a violin?

The viola is slightly larger than the violin, typically about one to one and a half inches longer. This extra length gives the viola a lower pitch. While both instruments share three strings, the viola has a C string one octave below middle C, which the violin does not have.

How does the viola fit within the orchestra in terms of range?

The viola sits in the middle of the orchestra, in terms of range. It bridges the high-pitched violins and the lower-pitched cellos and basses.

What are the main techniques used to play the viola?

Some common techniques include legato (smooth, connected notes), detaché (separate bows), staccato (short, sharp notes), fast staccato, ricochet (bouncing bow strokes), and pizzicato (plucking the strings). More contemporary techniques may involve knocking on the instrument or playing behind the bridge.

What is the effect of playing near the bridge on the viola?

Playing near the bridge, known as 'ponticello,' creates a cold, icy sound. This technique changes the tonal quality of the instrument, making it more metallic and edgy.

What is the opposite of playing near the bridge, and what effect does it have?

The opposite technique is called 'sul tasto,' where the player bows over the fingerboard. This produces a much softer, more ethereal sound.

How does the weight distribution of the bow affect the playing technique?

The bow is heavier at the frog (the end near the player's hand) and lighter at the tip. This weight distribution makes it easier to play heavier notes with a down bow and lighter notes with an up bow, influencing the dynamics and phrasing.

Why do string players, like violists, need to rely on down bows and up bows for phrasing?

Unlike wind players, who can naturally phrase through their breath, string players use down bows and up bows to shape the musical line. The bow's weight and direction help create the desired dynamics and phrasing.

What role did the viola traditionally play in early symphonies?

In early symphonies, the viola typically doubled the bass line or filled in harmony in the middle of the chords. It was rare for the viola to carry the melody or tune.

How has the role of the viola evolved in symphonic music?

As orchestral writing evolved, composers began giving the viola more interesting and independent parts. This includes solos for viola players and more prominent sections, like in Berlioz's 'Symphonie Fantastique,' where the violas are given a melody.

What is a notable example of contemporary viola use in orchestral music?

In contemporary orchestral music, composers like Esa-Pekka Salonen have given the viola more freedom. A good example is in Salonen's 'Violin Concerto,' where there is a viola and cello solo, demonstrating the instrument's versatility.