The viola is one of the most revered instruments in the string family. With its rich sound and wide range, the viola plays an important role in both orchestral and chamber music settings. This column will explore the viola’s history, types, how to play it, its chords, tuning, price range, famous pieces, and interesting facts that make this instrument unique.
Viola History
Viola Types
There are several types of violas, each varying in size, shape, and sound. The most common types are:
1. Full-Sized Viola
This is the standard viola used by most professional musicians. It generally measures between 15 to 16 inches (38 to 41 cm) in body length. A full-sized viola has a deep, rich tone and is capable of playing a wide range of notes, making it a central part of orchestras.
2. Small Viola
Small violas, typically ranging from 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) in length, are often used by younger or smaller players. These violas allow for easier handling and playability, while still retaining the instrument’s distinct sound.
3. Baroque Viola
The Baroque viola is a historical version of the instrument, often used to perform music from the 17th and early 18th centuries. This viola has a slightly different shape and is strung with gut strings rather than modern synthetic strings, giving it a warmer and more resonant sound.
4. Electric Viola
Electric violas are a modern innovation, designed for amplification in performances. They look similar to the traditional viola but are made with solid bodies and have built-in pickups, allowing them to be heard more clearly in large venues or in rock and pop music contexts.
How to Play Viola
Learning to play the viola requires both technical skill and a deep understanding of music theory. Here are the basic steps to get started with the instrument:
1. Posture and Holding the Viola
The first step in playing the viola is to understand how to hold it properly. The viola rests on the left shoulder, and the left hand is used to press the strings against the fingerboard. The bow is held in the right hand, and the posture should be relaxed to avoid strain on the back and arms.
2. Left Hand Technique
The left hand is responsible for pressing down the strings to change the pitch. The fingers must be placed firmly yet flexibly on the strings. The viola’s larger size means that the fingers need to stretch more than on a violin, so flexibility and finger strength are important.
3. Bowing
The right hand controls the bow, which is used to stroke the strings to produce sound. Proper bowing involves keeping the bow at a consistent angle to the strings, using smooth, controlled movements. Bow strokes include long, sustained strokes as well as short, quick ones, depending on the piece of music.
4. Vibrato
Vibrato is a technique used to add depth and richness to the sound. It involves rocking the hand back and forth on the string while pressing it down. This technique helps to create a warmer tone and adds emotional expression to the music.
5. Practice and Technique
Like any musical instrument, regular practice is crucial. Viola players work on scales, etudes, and pieces to improve their finger placement, bowing technique, and overall sound production. Advanced players also work on fast passages and complex rhythms.
Viola Chords
Unlike the violin, which mainly focuses on single notes, the viola often plays chords in addition to melody lines. Chords on the viola are formed by pressing multiple strings down at once. Some common viola chords include:
Open Strings Chord: These are chords played by bowing two or more open strings simultaneously. The most common open string chord is the double-stop, where two strings are played together.
Major and Minor Chords: These chords consist of three or more notes that form either a major or minor harmony. A common viola chord progression might involve moving between major and minor chords in a piece.
Seventh Chords: These chords add complexity and tension to the sound. They are formed by adding an extra note (the seventh) to a basic triad.
To play these chords, violists need to be able to stretch their fingers across multiple strings, which can be challenging given the instrument’s larger size.
Viola Tuning
The viola is tuned using four strings, typically tuned in perfect fifths. These strings are:
C String (lowest): Tuned to C3
G String: Tuned to G3
D String: Tuned to D4
A String (highest): Tuned to A4
To tune the viola, players use either a fine tuner or a tuning peg to adjust the pitch of each string. The most common way to tune is by using a tuner or tuning fork that is tuned to standard pitch. Many players also use online apps or electronic tuners to help them tune their instrument accurately.
Viola Price
The price of a viola can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the maker, the materials, and the craftsmanship. Here are some general price ranges:
1. Student Violas
For beginners, student violas are usually more affordable. These violas are typically made with mass-produced parts and may be constructed from lower-quality wood. Prices for student violas can range from $100 to $1,000.
2. Intermediate Violas
Intermediate violas are generally of better quality and are aimed at serious students or early-career professionals. These violas can range in price from $1,000 to $10,000.
3. Professional Violas
High-quality violas crafted by renowned luthiers can cost significantly more. Professional violas often feature the finest wood, meticulous craftsmanship, and rich tonal quality. Prices for professional violas can range from $10,000 to over $50,000.
4. Antique and Collectible Violas
Some antique violas, particularly those made by famous luthiers such as Antonio Stradivari or Giuseppe Guarneri, can sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars at auctions.
Famous Viola Music
Many famous composers have written music specifically for the viola. Here are some of the most notable works:
Béla Bartók – Viola Concerto: This work, composed in 1945, is one of the most important viola concertos of the 20th century. It features rich harmonies and a deep, expressive quality that showcases the viola’s ability to play both melody and harmony.
William Walton – Viola Concerto: This piece, composed in 1929, is a masterpiece of the viola repertoire. Its emotional depth and technical challenges make it a favorite among viola soloists.
Paul Hindemith – Sonata for Solo Viola: Hindemith was a violist himself, and his works for the instrument are considered some of the most important 20th-century contributions to the viola repertoire.
Johann Sebastian Bach – Cello Suites (arranged for viola): Though originally written for cello, the Cello Suites are often transcribed for viola. These pieces are essential in both solo and chamber music repertoires.
Franz Schubert – Arpeggione Sonata (arranged for viola): Originally written for a now-obsolete instrument, the Arpeggione Sonata is commonly played on the viola and is beloved for its lyrical beauty.
