Best Viola Jokes
Violas have always been the butt of viola jokes since first violins came into existence. According to WikiPedia, "The viola jokes are thought to have originated from the 18th century when the part of the viola was very uncomplicated and often just a filler part, thus attracting musicians who were not usually very talented either musically or intellectually." I play the viola so I have had to listen to these viola jokes for the bulk of my viola career and they have not become any funnier over the years. While the history of the viola jokes is relatively unknown,  The Strad has
Viola: Neglected No Longer
Finally the viola gets to shine! BBC interviewed Brett Dean, former member of the Berlin Philharmonic's viola section, about why he likes the viola and how it has taken a prominent role on-stage in orchestras around the world. As more of a promo for his Viola Concerto performance at the Barbican on April 13, Brett distills the essence of the viola in five concrete facts: Size does matter Repertoire is expanding rapidly Its somber sounds stands alone on stage It's the "Engine Room" of the orchestra (referring to the importance of rhythm and harmonies often lost in the melodies) It can't
Why Are Viola Jokes so Short?
Why are viola jokes so short? So violinists can understand them.
How Do You Protect Your Instrument?
How do you protect your instrument? Pack it in a viola case. How do you protect your instrument? #funwcq #silly #funny #cute #lol #catalystquartet #violajokes A photo posted by Catalyst Quartet (@catalystquartet) on Dec 29, 2015 at 2:01pm PST
Yuri Bashmet – the Sexiest Violist Alive
Name:Â Yuri Bashmet Instrument:Â Viola (Paolo Testore - 1758) Born:Â 1953 Fun Fact:Â "One of his early PR pictures had him naked in bed with nothing but his instrument to protect his modesty" - Sinfini No other violist has made the instrument quite as sexy for audiences, composers, and performers alike than Yuri Bashmet. Known for his rock-star like composure, Yuri gave the viola a new prominence in the modern era of classical music. Despite being a virtuoso viola player, Yuri actually began his studies at the Moscow Conservatory in 1971. However, being a bit lazy during his studies, Yuri realized that
There Are Only 13 of These Violas in Existence Today
The oft-cited Stradivari violins and cellos are not the only string instruments that the famous Stradivari family crafted. They made violas as well. In fact, there are currently 13 known Stradivarius violas still in existence to this day. These instruments are so rare that one even was on market in 2014 for $45 million. Unfortunately, that viola, named MacDonald, didn't receive any bids. As Bloomberg keenly points out, MacDonald was the butt of just another viola joke: Q: What do you call the world’s most valuable musical instrument if nobody wants it? A: A viola In a failure-to-sell that promises to
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