Viola players sit in a group left or right centre of the conductor. Their strings are tuned to C G D A. The upper two are plain gut, the others wound wire; some players prefer all wound strings.

The viola has a somewhat melancholy timbre which has been little exploited in either solo or orchestral music. By early tradition the viola was ‘of little importance in the musical establishment’ (Quantz, 1752) and viola players were ‘always taken from among the refuse of violinists’ (Berlioz). Fingering for the viola is the same as for the violin but because the instrument is larger it requires a stronger hand with a bigger stretch. The bow is also larger and heavier than that of the violin. (More…)

dodoClassical Music, Violin18 Jul, 20085 Comments

There are fewer cellos in the orchestra than violins because a cello produces a larger volume of sound than a violin. Cellists sit either to the right of the conductor or, if the second violins are placed there, in front of him.

The cello being derived from the viola da gamba, which was supported by the leg, it appears to be clutched and supported by the knees; in fact the weight is taken to the floor by a spike. The compass of the cello is five octaves, and the strings are tuned an octave lower than those of the viola: C G D A. The first two strings are of gut and the others wound, although there is today a tendency to use metal for all four strings. (More…)

dodoDrums, Piano, Violin18 Jul, 20085 Comments