Alto(English and Italian viola, French alto, German Bratsche) or violin viola is a string-bowed musical instrument of the same structure as the violin, but somewhat larger in size, which is why it sounds in a lower register. The viola strings are tuned a fifth below the violin strings and an octave above the cello strings - c, g, d1, a1 (C, G of the small octave, D, A of the first octave). The most common range is from c (up to the small octave) to e3 (mi of the third octave); in solo works, higher sounds can be used. Notes are written in alto and treble clefs.

Story

The viola is considered to be the earliest existing bowed instrument. The time of its appearance dates back to the turn of the 15th–16th centuries. The viola was the first instrument that was exactly the shape we are used to seeing. It was designed by Antonio Stradivari.

The ancestor of the viola is considered to be the viola da braccio (Italian: viola da braccio), or viola for the hand. This viol, like today's violins and violas, was held on the left shoulder, unlike the viola da gamba (Italian: viola da gamba), which was held on the knee or between the knees. Over time, the Italian name of the instrument was shortened to simply viola, under which it entered, for example, the English language, or to Bratsche (distorted braccio), which was fixed in German and similar languages.

The design of a modern viola is almost no different from a violin, with the exception of size. The viola does not have a size division like the violin; the size of the viola is measured in millimeters. There are violas from 350 mm (this is less than a whole violin) to 425 mm. The choice of instrument size depends on the length of the performer's arms.

Of the entire violin family, the viola was closest to the viol in size and sound, so it quickly became part of the orchestra as a middle voice and harmoniously joined it. Thus, the viola was a kind of bridge between the fading viol family and the emerging violin instruments.

Techniques for playing the viola differ slightly from techniques for playing the violin in the method of sound production and technique, but the playing technique itself is a little more limited due to the larger size, and as a result, the need for greater stretching of the fingers of the left hand. The timbre of the viola is less flashy than the violin, but thick, matte, velvety in the lower register, somewhat nasal in the upper register. This viola timbre is a consequence of the fact that the dimensions of its body (“resonator box”) do not correspond to its tuning: with a good length of 46–47 cm (such violas were made by old masters of Italian schools), a modern instrument has a length of 38–43 cm. On violas larger sizes, approaching traditional ones, are played mainly by solo performers who have stronger hands and developed technique.

When asked what a viola is, almost everyone answers: “It’s a violin, only bigger.”

This answer is correct if we mean only the shape of the instrument, its appearance. But the viola has its own corresponding timbre, which is not similar to the sound of any other instrument, therefore it cannot be considered just a large violin.

The history of the viola is dramatic. He was unlucky, so what? this moment not very lucky.
The fact is that the body of the viola, if made according to acoustic calculations based on the instrument's structure, should be quite huge - about 46 cm in length. Of course, the length of the neck also increases. And in order to play such an instrument, the musician must have long and strong fingers. And this happens occasionally.
You may ask: how then do they play the cello, and especially the double bass - after all, these instruments are much larger than the viola?

The viola (Italian Viola, German Bratsche, French Alto), like other instruments of the violin family, originated around the end of the 15th century. early XVI century. Russian researcher B. A. Struve believes that the viola was the ancestor of the entire violin family and was the first to join the orchestra in the 2nd half of the 16th century. When the viola appeared in the orchestra, the leading position of melodic voices was still an advantage for large viols.
Of the entire violin family, the viola was closer to the viol in size and sound, so it quickly became part of the orchestra as a middle voice and harmoniously joined it. Thus, the viola became a kind of bridge between the outgoing family of viols and the emerging violin instruments.

The viola is a philosophical instrument, a little sad and quiet. The viola is always ready to help other instruments, but never tries to draw attention to itself. Albert Lavignac (1846-1916)
It can be said that the most unlucky equipment of the modern orchestra was long time, certainly, alt. The viola is a bowed string instrument of the violin family; it is somewhat larger in size than the violin. The earliest standards of this instrument refer to XVI century. The outstanding Italian master A. Stradivari played a gigantic role in the development of the best design of the viola. This instrument has 4 strings tuned in fifths, just a fifth lower than the violin: C-G-D-A. At first, all viola strings were made from strands, but nowadays their core is made from both strands and steel, which is covered with an iron braid on top. Compared to the violin, the viola is the least mobile instrument; it has a dull, dull, but soft and expressive timbre. The viola has long been used in string quartets and symphony orchestras to fill middle, melodically “neutral” voices in the overall sound harmony and therefore was usually kept at the level of a less developed instrument. The prerequisite for this unusual phenomenon was caused by the fact that, on the one hand, the composers themselves did not strive to develop middle voices, and on the other, they point-blank did not want to notice those natural properties viola, which he possessed.

The viola is a bowed string musical instrument slightly larger than a violin. ( encyclopedic Dictionary, 1995)
There is one funny story. A conductor is walking through the desert and suddenly sees a violist standing in the sand and playing divinely. The conductor was horrified. And later he thinks: “Well, no, this cannot be. Thank God, this is just a mirage.”
Just some 30 years ago, a violist for any violinist was something like a subhuman. This is approximately how the owner of a luxury foreign car looks at the driver of a Zaporozhets. The violists, as they are called by conviction, could be counted on one hand. Basically, the viola was played by those musicians who were not up to par with the violinist; in other words, they were the least capable or laziest. Since composers actually did not write solo works for the viola, practicing on this instrument, undeservedly offended by God, took up even less time from students than practicing on the violin.

Which has a similar device to the 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 violin ones by a fifth, while higher than cellos by an octave. Notes for viola are written in treble and alto clefs.

History of origin

The viola instrument is considered to be the earliest existing bowed instrument. The time of its origin dates back to the 15th–16th centuries. This instrument was the first to receive the form that is familiar to us today. It was designed by Antonio Stradivari. The ancestor of the viola is considered to be the hand viol. This instrument was held at the left shoulder. It should be mentioned that the closest relative, the viola da gamba, was held on the knee. The Italian name for the musical instrument was shortened over time to viola. In this form it was preserved in English language. Bratsche got into German and similar ones. 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 performer's arm. Of the violin series, it is the viola that comes closest to the viol, taking into account the size and sound. Therefore, he quickly appeared in the orchestra, as middle voice, he joined the symphony very harmoniously. The viola, thus, was a bridge between the disappearing family of viols and violin instruments, which were emerging at that time.

Playing technique

The viola is a musical instrument that requires a special performance that is different from that of the violin. The difference lies in the method of sound production. Playing technique is more limited due to the large size and the need for significant finger stretching. The timbre of the viola is matte, thick, less bright compared to the violin, 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 tuning. This is what creates the 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, as well as developed techniques. The viola is used relatively rarely as a solo instrument. The point here is a small repertoire. However, relatively recently many good violists have appeared, such as: Yuri Kramarov, Kim Kashkashyan. The main area of ​​application of this musical instrument remains stringed and Symphony Orchestra s. Here solo episodes are dedicated to the alto, as well as middle voices. This musical instrument is an obligatory participant in a string quartet. Can be used in other chamber compositions. For example, a piano quintet or quartet or a string trio. Traditionally, people did not become violists from childhood, but switched to this instrument at a relatively mature age. Typically, after finishing music school, while entering a conservatory or college. Most often, violinists with a large physique, wide vibration and big hands. Some great musicians combined the two instruments. For example, David Oistrakh and Niccolo Paganini.

Famous musicians

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

Works

The viola instrument with orchestra is heard in “Symphony Concertante” by W. A. ​​Mozart, “Sonata” by Niccolo Paganini, as well as in B. Bartok, Hindemith, William Walton, E. Denisov, A. Schnittke, G. F. Telemann, A. I. Golovina. The combination with the clavier is found in M. I. Glinka, D. D. Shostakovich, Brahms, Schumann, Nikolai Roslavets, A. Hovaness. Solos can be heard in the works of Max Reger, Moses Weinberg, Ernst Kshenek, Sebastian Bach. Adolphe Adam's ballet "Giselle" could not have been done without our hero. It also sounds in symphonic poem Richard Strauss "Don Quixote". Leo Delibes’ ballet “Coppelia” could not do without it either. One should also remember the opera “The Makropoulos Remedy” by Janacek. It also sounds in Boris Asafiev’s ballet “The Fountain of Bakhchisarai”.

Another principle

There is also a fundamentally different alto - it is usually called an althorn. It's about about 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 middle voices.

Musical instrument: Viola

At first glance, an uninitiated listener can easily confuse this stringed instrument with violin . Indeed, apart from the sizes, they are similar in appearance. But you just have to listen to its timbre - the difference is immediately noticeable, the chesty and at the same time surprisingly soft and slightly muffled sound is reminiscent of a contralto - soft and expressive.

When they think about string instruments, the viola is usually forgotten in favor of its smaller or larger brothers, but the rich timbre and interesting story make you take a closer look at it.The viola is a philosopher's instrument, without attracting attention to itself, it modestly settled in the orchestra between the violin and cello.

History and variety interesting facts Read about this musical instrument on our page.

Sound

Languid, eloquent, noble, velvety, sensitive, powerful, and sometimes veiled - this is how one can describe the varied timbre of the viola. Its sound may not be as expressive and bright as that of violins , but much warmer and softer.

The colorful timbre coloring is the result of the varied sound of each string of the instrument. The lowest C string has a powerful, resonant, rich timbre that can convey a feeling of foreboding and evoke dark and gloomy moods. And the upper “A”, in sharp contrast to the other strings, has its own individual character: soulful and ascetic.

Many outstanding composers The characteristic sound of the viola was used very graphically: in the “1812” overture P.I. Tchaikovsky - church hymn; V opera "The Queen of Spades" - the singing of the nuns in the 5th scene, when Herman imagines the funeral procession; in the symphony D.D Shostakovich “1905” - the melody of the song “You fell a victim.”

Photo:

Interesting Facts

• Great composers such as I.S. Bach , V.A. Mozart , L.V. Beethoven , A. Dvorak , B. Britten, P. Hindemith played the viola.
• Andrea Amati was a very famous violin maker of his time, and in 1565, King Charles IX of France commissioned him to make 38 instruments (violins, violas and cellos) for the musicians of the royal court. Most of those masterpieces were destroyed during French Revolution, but one viola survives and can be seen in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. It is larger, with a body length of 47 cm.

• Another notable viola, with a crucifixion on the body, was made by the sons of Amati. The instrument belonged to the famous violist L.A. Bianchi.
• Violas and bows made by famous masters are extremely rare, so a viola made by A. Stradivari or A. Guarneri is more expensive than violins by the same masters.
• Many outstanding violinists such as: Niccolo Paganini , David Oistrakh, Nigel Kennedy, Maxim Vengerov, Yehudi Menuhin perfectly combined and combine playing the viola with playing the violin.
• In the 60s, the American rock group The Velvet Underground, the English rock group The Who, and nowadays Van Morrison, the rock groups Goo Goo Dolls, and Vampire Weekend give a prominent place to the viola in their arrangements. songs and albums.
• The names of the instruments are interesting different languages: French - alto; Italian and English - viola; Finnish – alttoviulu; German – bratsche.
• Yuri Bashmet is recognized as the best violist of our time. In 230 years, he is the first person allowed to play the V.A. instrument. Mozart in Salzburg. This talented musician actually played the entire repertoire written for the viola - about 200 musical works, of which 40 were composed and dedicated to him by modern composers.

• Yuri Bashmet still plays the viola, which he bought for 1,500 rubles in 1972. The young man made money at discos, performing songs from the Beatles' repertoire on the guitar. The instrument is more than 200 years old and was made by Italian master Paolo Tastore in 1758.
• The largest violist ensemble consisted of 321 performers and was assembled by the Portuguese Violist Association in concert hall"Suggia" in Porto, Portugal, March 19, 2011.
• Violists are the most popular characters in orchestral anecdotes and jokes.

Popular works for viola:

V.A. Mozart: Symphony Concertante for violin, viola and orchestra (listen)

A. Vietan - Sonata for viola and piano (listen)

A. Schnittke - Concerto for viola and orchestra (listen)

Viola design

Externally the viola is very similar violin , the only difference is that it is slightly larger in size than a violin.

The viola consists of the same parts as the violin: two soundboards - upper and lower, shells, neck, mustache, stand, fretboard, headstock and others - a total of 70 elements. The top deck has the same sound holes as a violin; they are usually called “f-holes.” To make the viola, only the best samples of well-seasoned wood are used, which are coated with varnish made by craftsmen according to their unique recipes.

The length of the viola body varies from 350 to 430 mm. The length of the bow is 74 cm and it is slightly heavier than a violin bow.

The viola has four strings that are tuned a fifth lower than the violin's strings.

The dimensions of the viola do not correspond to its tuning; for this, the optimal length of the instrument body should be at least 540 mm, but in fact only 430 mm and even then the largest one. In other words, the viola is too small in relation to its tuning - this is the reason for its majestic timbre and distinctive sound.

There is no such thing as a "full" viola and can range in size from "simply bigger than a violin" to massive violas. It is worth noting that the larger the viola, the more saturated its sound. However, the musician chooses the instrument that is comfortable for him to play; it all depends on the performer’s build, the length of his arms and the size of his hand.

Today the viola is becoming an increasingly recognized instrument. Manufacturers continue to experiment with different shapes to maximize its unique sonic qualities and create new ones. For example, an electric viola does not have an acoustic body, since there is no need, because the sound appears with the help of amplifiers and microphones.

Application and repertoire

The viola is primarily used in a symphony orchestra and typically consists of 6 to 10 instruments. Previously, the viola was very unfairly called the “Cinderella” of the orchestra, because despite the fact that this instrument has a rich timbre and exquisite sound, it did not receive much recognition.

The timbre of the viola goes well with the sound of other instruments, such as the violin, cello , harp, oboe , horn - they are all part of the chamber orchestra. It should also be noted that the viola occupies an important place in the string quartet, along with two violins and a cello.

Despite the fact that the viola is mainly used in ensemble and orchestral music, it is also gaining popularity as a solo instrument. The first to bring the tool to big stage, there were English violists L. Tertis and W. Primrose.

It is also impossible not to note the names of such outstanding performers as Y. Bashmet, V. Bakaleinikov, S. Kacharyan, T. Zimmerman, M. Ivanov, Y. Kramarov, M. Rysanov, F. Druzhinin, K. Kashkashyan, D. Shebalin, U Primrose, R. Barshai et al.

The music library for the viola, compared to other instruments, is not very large, but Lately More and more works are coming out from the pens of composers for him. Here is a small list of solo works that were written specifically for the viola: concertos B. Bartok , P. Hindemith, W. Walton, E. Denisov, A. Schnittke , D. Milhaud, E. Kreuz, K. Penderecki; sonatas M. Glinka , D. Shostakovich, I. Brahms, N. Roslavets, R. Schumann, A. Hovaness, I. David, B. Zimmerman, H. Hentz.

Techniques for playing the viola

Do you know how much effort playing the viola requires? Its large body plus the length of the neck require considerable strength and dexterity from the musician, because playing this instrument is difficult even physically. Due to the large size of the viola, playing technique is somewhat limited compared to the violin. The positions on the fretboard are further away, which requires a greater stretch of the fingers of the performer's left hand.

The main technique of sound production on the viola is “arco” - moving the bow along the strings. Pizzicato, col legno, martle, detaile, legato, staccato, spiccato, tremolo, portamento, ricochet, harmonics, use of mute and other techniques that violinists use are also available to violists, but require a certain skill from the musician. You should pay attention to one more fact: for the convenience of writing and reading notes, violists have their own clef - alto, however, they must be able to read notes in the treble clef. This causes some difficulties and inconveniences when playing from sight.

Learning to play the viola as a child is impossible, since the instrument is large. They begin to study it in the last classes of a music school or in the first year of a music school.

History of the viola

The history of the viola and the so-called violin family are closely related. In past classical music the viola, although neglected in many aspects, played quite an important role.

From ancient manuscripts of the Middle Ages we learn that India was the birthplace of stringed instruments. The instruments traveled with traders to many countries around the world, first coming to the Persians, Arabs, North African peoples and then to Europe in the eighth century.

The violin violin family emerged and began to develop around 1500 in Italy from previous bowed instruments. The form of the viola, as it is said today, was not invented, it was the result of the evolution of previous instruments and experiments different masters to achieve the ideal model.

Some argue that the viola preceded the violin. A strong argument supporting this theory is contained in the name of the tool. First viola, then viol+ino - small alto, soprano alto, viol+one - large alto, bass alto, viol+on + cello (smaller than violone) - smaller bass alto. This is logical, One way or another, but the first to make violin instruments were Italian masters from Cremona - Andrea Amati and Gasparo da Solo, and they were brought to perfection, precisely with the current form, by Antonio Stradivari and Andrea Guarneri. The instruments of these masters have survived to this day and continue to delight listeners with their sound. The design of the viola has not changed significantly since its inception, so the familiar appearance the instrument is the same as several centuries ago.

Italian craftsmen made large violas that sounded amazing. But a paradox occurred: musicians abandoned large violas and chose smaller instruments for themselves - they were more convenient to play. The craftsmen, fulfilling the orders of the performers, began to make violas, which were slightly larger in size than a violin and were inferior in the beauty of sound to the previous instruments.

Alto- an amazing tool. Over the years of its existence, it was still able to turn from an unnoticed “orchestral Cinderella” into a princess and rise to the same level as the “queen of the stage” - the violin. Famous violists, breaking all stereotypes, proved to the whole world how beautiful and popular this instrument is, and the composer started it K. Gluck , entrusting the viola with the main melody in the opera Alceste.

Alto

A piano is an instrument with keys and hammer mechanics, the design of which allows you to extract sounds from strings stretched vertically.

Occasionally one comes across the following opinion: “A piano cannot be higher than 140 centimeters, but a piano, as a rule, can reach a height of 180 centimeters.” No matter the size, a piano is still a piano.

The piano is most often used for chamber performance of piano music, teaching and amateur music-making. Due to its relative compactness, it can be installed in most apartments.

The piano has a wing-shaped body, is mounted on three legs and is located horizontally.

The larger soundboard of the piano produces a louder sound, which makes it indispensable at concerts and in music school classes.

Violin, viola, cello and double bass

The violin is a classical musical instrument, I think almost everyone knows what it looks like. Therefore, we will dance from it.

Although the size of the violins was a discovery for me.
Main size: 4/4 (355-360mm, soundboard (body) size, without neck - a whole violin for the average adult). the smallest 1/16 (230-240mm - from 3 to 5 years). At 3 years old on the violin?!

The viola differs from the violin only in size, the design and shape are the same. A modern viola has a length of 38 to 43 centimeters.
Violin on the left, viola on the right.

Larger violas, 46–47 centimeters (such violas were made by old masters of the Italian schools), are played mainly by solo performers with stronger hands and developed technique.

From jokers on music forums:
“What is the difference between a violin and a viola?
Alto burns longer.
The alto holds more beer.”

A cello has the same structure as a violin or viola, but is much larger in size. When playing, the performer rests the cello on the floor with a spike.
M. Rastropovich.

The principles of playing are the same as on the violin, however, due to the larger size of the instrument and the different position of the player, the technique of playing the cello is more complicated.
Quartet “Apocalyptica” (Finland).

In an orchestral score, the cello part is written between the viola and double bass parts. The cello is an obligatory participant in the string quartet.

Double bass (Italian: contrabbasso) - the largest in size (about two meters in height) and the lowest in sound of the widely used bowed strings musical instruments.

Modern double basses may have either a fifth string tuned to a counter-octave, or a special mechanism that “extends” the lowest string and allows additional lower sounds to be produced.

The main area of ​​application of the double bass is a symphony orchestra, in which the double bass group plays the most important role as the bass foundation. The double bass is also sometimes used in chamber ensembles, as well as in jazz and related genres.

In rockabilly, a double bass is used instead of a bass guitar, and they almost always play with a slap thumb o strings) - due to the “clicks”, the double bass complements the rhythmic section, and in groups without a drummer, it successfully replaces it.
"Mr. Twister"

If you just want to distinguish them, then remember the main thing: the violin is large and stands on the floor - if it is taller than a person of average height, it is a double bass, if it is shorter, call it a cello.
Quintet “Serenade” (Belarus)
From left to right: violin, violin, double bass, viola and cello.

Accordions, button accordions, accordion.

Let's look at the accordion right away. “In Stirlitz, nothing gave away the Russian intelligence officer, except for his earflaps with a star and the parachute dragging behind his back.”
In Russia, only instruments with a right-hand piano-type keyboard are usually called an accordion.

In the USA, Europe and other countries, it is customary to call all types of hand-held harmonicas accordions, which in turn can have their own names.
For example, they consider the button accordion to be a type of push-button accordion. God is their judge.

The number of keys on the right (piano) keyboard ranges from 41 for a full accordion to 24 for a small accordion, which are mainly used as student instruments. The left keyboard consists of 120 buttons for a full accordion, 6 rows of 20 keys. For small ones, from 72 to 24.
The numbers in the name 34x80 indicate the number of buttons (keys) on the right and left keyboard, respectively. I almost forgot - the sides on the harmonics are determined by the performer, so you can count the number of buttons on the left keyboard on the right half of the photo :)
Full accordion 41x120

Small accordion 26x48

The line between accordion and button accordion is, let’s say, somewhat blurred for me.
But there are several signs that allow you to say - this is definitely an accordion, and this is an iron accordion.

The most common accordion in our time is the two-row “lame”, but there are also three-row instruments and instruments with one row of buttons.
"Khromka" 25x25

In addition to the standard number of 25 keys on the right and left (25x25), harmonicas with both a reduced and an extended range are available in both factory and custom versions. On the left keyboard, the accordion can have a maximum of 31 buttons.

Bayans have a 3- or 5-row right-hand keyboard. In a 5-row keyboard, the first two rows (from the bellows) are auxiliary; they duplicate the notes located in the other three rows

The right keyboard of a concert accordion of the Moscow layout with 3 rows contains 67 buttons, with 5 rows 112 buttons.
5-row button accordion

3-row button accordion

The left keyboard, just like the full accordion, consists of 120 buttons on the full button accordion. The 6th row (with reduced seventh chords) is missing on some button accordions. Minimum 60 keys.
Half button accordions, compared to full button accordions, are smaller in size and more portable and lightweight. were convenient for teaching children.
Children's student accordion 30x30 nevertheless it is a button accordion!

Bayan is an elastic concept (c)

Concertina - better known as the harmonica of coupletists.

Attached to the musician's thumbs or wrists. It has a hexagonal shape and buttons on the ends.
N. Bandurin.

Where would we be without the “canary”.

The bandoneon is similar to a concertina, with the same arrangement of keys at the ends, but larger and always quadrangular in shape.

It was thanks to the bandoneon that Argentine tango music received that piercing, poignant sound that attracts so many fans to it.