Among the great unsung heroes of the instrument world is the viola. ABC Classic Presenter Ed LeBrocq describes it as an instrument with a "a chocolate, nutty sound, a diamond-like quality at its heart, and incredibly subtle". Violas are often tucked away, both physically and musically, in the middle of a string quartet or orchestra, yet their sound brings the whole ensemble together. The instrument's solo repertoire is stunning, from the rich, stately virtuosity of Robert Schumann's Märchenbilder to the daring, wild passion of Paul Hindemith's Viola Sonata Op. 25, No. 1.
Did you know that the viola is an instrument of compromises? For the range of pitches required, the viola's body should be around 20 inches in length, but this is almost inconceivable for the reach of many people. Instead, violas are made with adjustments including wider bouts (think the hips) and narrower necks. While some people do play the really big instruments, these adjustments can bring the length down to around 16 inches, making the whole thing easier to play and avoiding injury for the violist.
Tracklist
Sinfonia concertante for violin, viola & orchestra in E flat major, K. 364 (K. 320d): II. Andante [11'09]
Composer
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Performers
Maxim Vengerov (violin) + Lawrence Power (viola) + Verbier Festival Orchestra
Album
Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 2 & 4; Sinfonia concertante, 3 78374 2
Label
EMI Classics
Add to
