Viola is not only a type of opera voice, but also a musical string and bow instrument. In this article we will analyze both meanings of this word.
Musical instrument
Alt is a musical instrument that looks and feels like a violin, but differs from it in its large size. It is because of its dimensions that the viola sounds much lower than the violin.
For a long time, this instrument was assigned a very insignificant role in orchestras, since it was intended to play only average voices, which were not popular among composers.
Occurrence
Like most violin instruments, viola originated in the 15-16th centuries. Soviet musical theorist Struve believed that he became the ancestor of the entire string-bow family and was the first to join the orchestras in the 2nd half of the 16th century. At this time, the leading place among the melodic voices was held by high viols. Alt was close to this instrument in sound and size, and this was one of the main reasons that he entered the orchestra as a middle voice, harmoniously merging with the higher ones. So viola became a kind of bridge between the fading glory of the viola family and the advent of violin instruments.
The history of development
So, the alt for a long time remained in the position of a subordinate voice in the orchestra. This caused the musicians to also neglect the instrument. They didn’t learn to play the viola specially, and in the orchestra, violinists were loser violinists who could not really play any instrument. This only aggravated the situation, confirmed the skeptical and condescending opinion of composers about viola.
However, all these grievances were completely undeserved. The instrument possessed very great capabilities, it only required a person who could see them and was not afraid to present them to the public. It was Etienne Mayul (1763-1817), who wrote the opera Uthal, in which the main and highest string part was given to the violas.
In 1834, Hector Berlioz, a big admirer and lover of the underrated instrument, created a whole symphony called "Harold in Italy", in which the main part went to the altos. According to legend, Berlioz hoped that Paganini would play her at the premiere, but the death of the musician prevented this.
Reasons for unpopularity
The alt (photo of the instrument, see the article), standing between the violin and the cello, is more inclined to the first. In addition to a similar structure and manner of playing, these instruments also have three common strings, perfectly identical in sound. However, in the 17-18 centuries, the opinion was firmly established that the viola sounds nasal and dreary. Why is he so different from his melodic and vibrant "sister"?
The fact is that instruments built in compliance with all the rules and standards were not used in orchestras in those years, as loser musicians simply could not play them. Therefore, violin masters were forced to tune the instruments for performers who did not want to make any efforts to master a new skill of the game. Thus was born the alt-nerd, who, despite his distorted sound, began to be popular not only among musicians, but also among composers. It is significant in this respect that this instrument was recognized even by the Paris Conservatory.
And only at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century did the real viola return to the orchestra, finally replacing its ugly copy.
Musicians attitude
Surprisingly, quite famous musicians, such as Paganini, Alar, Vietnam, Sivori, liked to play viola parts in quartets and were not ashamed of this at all. And Vietnam even had a viola by the famous master Magini, on which the performer played during his concerts. And Alesandro Rolla, the teacher of Paganini, so masterfully owned this instrument that he led the audience into a frenzy.
Thus, only professional musicians could play really well on the viola and also did not put it below other violin instruments.
Composer attitude
Viola is an unpopular instrument since the inception of the orchestra, the attitude towards which changes with the advent of the polyphonic music of Handel and Bach. These composers equalized his rights with the second violin.
However, under the influence of the Neapolitan school, the value of the instrument begins to decline again. And composers increasingly sent him to reinforce bass voices. This can be seen in Haydn, Glück and Mozart among foreign and Tchaikovsky and Glinka among domestic composers.
Beethoven's arrival in music marked the heyday of viola. The instrument finally took its rightful place, gaining two votes.
Instrument strings
An alt is an instrument whose strings are tuned to a quint lower than that of a violin, and an octave higher than that of a cello. The most common range is in the range to the small octave and mi of the 3rd octave, however, you can play higher sounds. Sheet music can be written in treble and alto keys.
Game tricks
It will be easy for a good violinist to switch to viola. This is due to the fact that the tricks and strokes of the game for these tools are the same. The only difference is the sound, it is less dull, bright and velvet, even a little nasal.
Such a specific timbre is a consequence of the size of the instrument body, which does not coincide with its system. If you make an alt, then it will not be possible to put it on your shoulder, but you can play it like a cello.
In the role of the performer of the solo part, the alt acts very rarely. Usually this instrument is part of a string or symphony orchestra, where it performs middle voices. Also, the viola is necessarily a part of string quartets and various chamber compositions.
At what age do they begin to learn to play the viola?
Since childhood, do not become violas. The feedback from the musicians suggests that to master this instrument, you must first learn how to play the violin. They go to alt after graduating from music school in conservatories and schools. Usually musicians with a wide vibration and large physique prefer this instrument.
Althorn
There is another musical instrument called alt (photo of the instrument you see above), or althorn. It is a brass instrument belonging to the saxhorn family. The sound range is from A large to B flat of the 1st octave. Its sound is dull and inexpressive, therefore althorn is used only in brass, mainly regimental, orchestras. Usually he gets middle voices.
Alt: voice
Viola is a children's voice with a volume from the F of the small octave to the F of the 2nd octave and low female. This voice is above the tenor, which usually leads the main chorus. The most common notes are the salt of the small octave and mi of the 2nd octave. Two types of viola are distinguished in the choir: the first and second.
First and second viola
The former have a volume from la minor to fa of the 2nd octave. The lower sounds of this range sound weak and soft, but moving to the top, they grow stronger, gain strength, brilliance and rage. The top two notes can even be called loud and tense. The most beautiful sounds are from 1 to 2 octaves. Within these limits, alts can give various shades: from a gentle piano to a bright and shiny fort.
Also, the voice of the first violas is called mezzo-soprano. He gives expressiveness and melodiousness with his matte timbre to the melodic drawing.
The second violas sound in a small octave and reach the 1st octave. Their characteristic features are the weightiness and massiveness of sound, which greatly affects flexibility and mobility. This voice is also called contralto.