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As an infant Mozart cried when he heard violins,but he loved the horn! TAT “Why don’t violists play hide and seek? Because no one would look for them.”
“What’s the difference between a violist and a dog? A dog is able to stop scratching.”
These and 10 other snarky comments come from a Classic FM article about the much-maligned middle child of the string section, which hasn’t gotten the respect other instruments receive.
Maybe that’s because violas often go unheard by audiences. They have special difficulties projecting over a full orchestra, so no top-tier composer ever wrote a solo concerto for them. Hector Berlioz’ “Harold in Italy” comes closest; it’s a symphony with solo viola parts.
But Mozart loved the viola. His Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola remains the most beautiful piece written – well, half-written – for that instrument. The father-son team of David and Igor Oistrakh made my favorite recording, though Charlotte Symphony Orchestra music director Christopher Warren-Green also did a fine one; he played violin with his London Chamber Orchestra and violist Roger Chase.
Last edited by TatumAH; 03/13/2101:36 PM.
There's nothing wrong with thinking Except that it's lonesome work sevil regit
