An Imperfect Instrument: Jennifer Stumm @ TEDxAldeburgh

Jennifer Strum calls the viola the "middle child of the string instruments." Through a mixture of talk and performance, she offers a compelling meditation on the viola's capacity for emotion-- and for making beautiful music
Violist Jennifer Stumm has forged a unique musical path as a dynamic advocate for her instrument. Hailed by the Washington Post for the "opal-like beauty" of her playing, she brings the viola into the spotlight with innovative programming and irrepressible enthusiasm. Jennifer recently made solo debuts at the Kennedy Center, Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, and the Ravinia Festival, Chicago, as well as appearing at the Wigmore Hall, the Concergebouw, Amsterdam and at the BBC Proms. Upcoming she releases her first disc for Naxos of rarely heard 18th century virtuoso works by Alessandro Rolla. Jennifer is the winner of three major international competitions: Concert Artists Guild, where she was the first violist in the 60 year history of the competition to unanimously take first prize, the William Primrose competition, and the International Competition of Geneva.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@jenniferstumm4136]

I decided (after 8+ years) to clear a few little things up! a) I never imagined a little talk about the viola would travel so far! Thank you! And that people would actually use minutes of their lives to write how much they love the viola! Or hate the viola! That part I will never understand. Go be positive and practice your violins...b) For those concerned about the use of the word “song,” there are songs in this talk. The first is from Brahms opus 91, entitled “Two SONGS for alto voice, viola and piano” The piece by Kurtag is called “Wailing SONG.” The Liszt Romance Oubliee is taken after the song “O pourqoui donc.” Anyway (controversial statement) perhaps we in classical music don’t need to care quite so much about titles 🤭 c) Beethoven didn’t write any original solo piece for viola. I know the Eyeglasses Duo exists. Sorry I didn’t specify! d) I also (really) wish they had turned my speaking mic off when I played. 😱

[@eliasvieiraviola]

🧡

[@amandanorman7524]

Thanks for this talk! Very beautiful and well put.

[@Kitty12476]

YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION! I absolutely fell in love with the viola when I first heard it as well. I originally wanted to play the violin, and I was fortunate enough to find a master tutor of all stringed instruments and over 50 years of professional experience, an immigrant from russia who devoted her entire life to stringed instruments to teach me, someone of fairly low income, just because she believed in how passionately I wanted to learn. The only exception she made in being willing to teach me is that I could NOT play the violin. I was starting in my mid 20s you see and she had told me that the path of the violin would leave me feeling regret and a lack of satisfaction. She said that violin, as extremely competitive as it is, is full of cutthroats and negativity. A constant world of "never being good enough" and that if she was to teach me music, it would only be in a world where she believed I could truly express myself and play with honesty. I didnt understand at first. But she began to play for me on first the cello, then the violin. And lastly the viola. The sound of her playing (and yours) absolutely broke my heart. The sheer level of DEPTH and PASSION resonating from this particular instrument is absolutely unmatched. It is so in tune with the human voice and instantly spoke directly to my soul. I have never looked back. I struggle with my progress, the viola is incredibly difficult to play, and I'm a full time scientist and student, so I'm only able to play once or twice a week. But seeing what you do. How you absolutely pour everything you are into your movements and the vibrations you produce. How they echo throughout that stage. It absolutely rejuvenates me and reignites my passion to become better. I absolutely long to become a violist as skilled as you one day. 💙 Thank you so much for sharing this

[@victorrutledge257]

IF, and I'm really being speculative... some materials scientist were to invent a "string" that resonated more, at shorter lengths, would the Viola be better, the same, worse or would the strings simply never be used? I'm fairly certain that such a creation could happen, but it hasn''t, because the violin doesn't need such a thing, and the Cello couldn't use it. Presently the Viola resonates best at frequencies between the open strings, which only means it would sound better if tuned to different notes. That's no surprise, but the surprise is that the Viola beats the violin at resonance in several ranges, so with a better type of string, it could easily outshine the smaller, less powerful, instrument. Only the Viola needs a shorter, more resonant string. Anyway, there are places where the Viola cannot be replaced, and it's marvelous that Viola Players are so tolerant of the ignorance of others. {Why did the Viola sit out in the yard for so long? It couldn't figure out when to come in. }

[@mariiazakharova6408]

I think beethoven wrote a nocturne for viola and piano;)

[@BassRai]

There's a teacher who said that the viola wasn't meant to be heard, but felt. If there's violas in an orchestra, you barely care, but without them, the orchestra just feels incomplete in every sense. Finding that sound is really special, it changes the mood of the rest of strings.

[@skyedeleon5343]

I remember, in orchestra when I was in sixth grade, and out director asked which instrument we wanted to play, I was the only student in a class of twenty five children who said I wanted to play the viola. Everyone wanted to play the violin, but I didn't want that next to my ear, and my father played the viola as well. I came from the flute (I remember my band director said I had an unusual confidence when it came to my playing) so I was the odd man out in my orchestra as it was (especially since I was the only student to not go to middle school band). But although the Viola doesn't get much love, and anyone not in orchestra usually doesn't know what it is, I still love my instrument. I've had my own viola for about five years now, and I love it. Mine specifically is unique from every other instrument in our school orchestra - it's the only one without fine tuners, and it's funny to watch the teachers and directors go to tune it, because they always forget and always stumble as they wipe their hand down the tail-piece. I love the viola, because it had a richness to it that the violin lacks, and it's not as serious as the cello or bass. I an hide in the shadows, but at the same time, I get to be the one to tell people what the viola is, and how orchestras would sound empty without them, because we usually back up the first violins. Once, our piece had three viola solos, and I was so angry when I found out that our cellist tried to take them. We never get solos, and he gets them not only all the time, but earlier in that specific piece. People think that violists are pushovers, because a good amount of the time we're 'go with the flow' kind of people, but we're the most stubborn, and have the biggest hearts.

[@williamrasasane364]

Achingly Obsessed 😭😭YAAASS SPEAK THE TRUTH. I remember when i was in the 4th grade i was given the option to play the violin or viola. When i read on that lityle brochure about the rich and smoothness of the viola, i knew it was for me. To me the violin was always to high pitched and squeaky. Where as the viola sounds nice and smooth. Sure playing thw viola has its down sides but i wouldn't dare change to another instrument. I also like the viola because its unique. You always here "oh, ive always wanted to play the violin" or "oh, "violins are perfect". Violas are not mentioned very often but thats why i like it. Violas are different and not the same.

[@shaunakellyyy9270]

This is so true. I play the viola because I filled out the wrong form but honestly it was best mistake of my life. The opportunities are endless because us violists are rare and that’s just an incredible thing which we get for being the imperfect ones

[@christinasimpson5379]

I also went from the flute to the viola - and never looked back!

[@Pansynthia2me]

My son started Orchestra in 5th grade. When it was time to choose his instrument, he chose the viola. When asked why, he said everyone wants to play the violin. Not everyone wants to play the viola. He wanted to play the least favorite of all in the group. He is a Junior in HS and is still playing Viola and in one of the highest classes in his school. We live in a big city, his teacher is one of the best in the district. A lot of her students have gone on to Juilliard and many are playing in professional orchestras. What a proud moment for a HS teacher!

[@Bluemoonofky]

Same! Off the beaten path! It's a great place to be

[@franciscoesparza854]

I play the viola because I consider It the most human of all the instruments; It has many defects, It is difficult and without care you can be seriously dangered by it, just like a human.

[@ecoibis]

Hermoso commentario... De verdad es una opinión poética sobre la viola

[@jacob9673]

I play the Viola because when I was in fifth grade the instructor played Harry Potter. Since then I've grown fond of the instrument. I don't think people should choose their first instrument for some philosophical, metaphorical reason. I think they choose it because it speaks to them. If I had to rationalize why I still play the Viola it's because it's the LEAST human of the orchestral instruments: It doesn't strive for perfection, it is mellow, generally unobtrusive, and doesn't 'take the show'.

[@bug5327]

The cello is actually the one instrument that covers the full human vocal range. ouch

[@jacob9673]

^ truuuu. But the viola is tuned the same as the cello.

[@Emando_com]

No it isn't.

[@gberndt4music]

I've always thought the viola was the unsung hero of the strings.

[@gibran6641]

No one is gonna talk about her interpretation? ✨🎶 She's an incredible violist ❤️

[@eddm3382]

For sure she is a violinist playing a Viola 😄😄😄😄😄

[@aoiseodwyer]

@@eddm3382 Jennifer Stumm is a concert violist and professor of viola at the University of Music and Arts of the City of Vienna. Definitely not a violinist.

[@daviddazasuarez2947]

@@eddm3382 She Won the Primrose international viola competition. She studied VIOLA with Karen Tuttle and Nobuko Imai, she is definitely a violist. Please… be careful with what you say…

[@thomassicard3733]

Excellent musicianship, she possesses!!

[@karloxjzzz1186]

Sin duda AMA a su instrumento y es una de sus mayores promotoras y ejecutantes geniales de la viola en la actualidad y quedará como una referente en la Historia del instrumento

[@arcobow97]

The viola can also play cello repertoire...thats badass

[@jackhousman6637]

Listen to Elgar's cello concerto, played by Rivka Golani. Lionel Tertis made the transcription with the composer's approval. Elgar conducted the first performance. Enjoy. (The viola is my favorite instrument.)

[@ApplepieFTW]

Thanks for this recommendation :)

[@bentvk2248]

The cello suites by Bach sound really good on Viola

[@arsantiqua8741]

Mozart loved his viola.

[@nicoriearobinson-morney1465]

The viola is a mini cello and the violin is a mini bass and i play viola and i love it and wouldnt trade it for the world

[@tl098711]

My viola siloloquy: The violin is like a high school or college student: full of fire, show, and ego...but not much emotional depth. The viola is the blue singer. Her voice has been destroyed by cheap booze and cigarettes. She's loved and been betrayed several times but still gets up to sing. When she sings happily, it is tinged with sadness because you know it won't last. When she sings of sadness, it cuts deeply for you know it comes from personal loss. That's the viola to me.

[@nwu655]

tl098711 Not much emotional depth? Dude you can praise viola without trashing in the violin.

[@user-dk5th6zg1q]

This is beautiful!

[@ridhimajoshi9296]

tl098711 wow I love the comparison

[@leonardodigrazia9758]

Great soliloquy

[@happypiano4810]

Sure, the upper reaches of the viola choke, but the upper range of the violin squeals this metallic shriek.

[@RizwanJaganiViolist]

Every reason I play the viola is in this video! I show this to everyone to show people what musical beauty is in this instrument.

[@elijahhorton202]

Those dislikes are the violinists who are afraid of the truth.

[@MariaHernandez-ty7ww]

I agree im really tired of them making fun of the violist even google hates it whenever i search it up it justs says it an incorrection and changes it to violin ....

[@itsyaboiped3651]

or the fact that she doesn't know much about the viola and you can see her extensive knowledge when she uses a violin bow and not a viola bow. I'm a violist btw. almost all viola bows are not 90˙ at the frog.

[@k_posadce_Samm]

@@MariaHernandez-ty7ww wow... mean...

[@k_posadce_Samm]

@@itsyaboiped3651 wow, you know alot. i also play the viola. and, everyone stop it with making fun of the viola! its an amazing insterment! =>=

[@naomisilitonga9893]

@@k_posadce_Samm it'd an amazing instrument,viola jokes are just entertaiment

[@yiwencao6644]

I am also a viola player ,a student, really feel your passionate about viola ,and gave me a lot inspiration. feels like other'perfect' instrument is kinda convey the composer's emotion ,but viola ,is a individual person,and communicating with the composer and help to sharing their story. Amazing

[@ancient7716]

I play violin viola and cello. They all have a different aspect of beauty to them. They are unique on their own and they can all be great. I switch between all three of them from time to time and I can tell how differences makes them express different emotions with not that big of a physical difference. Its almost poetic how variety in life can cause greatness in colors and aspects.

[@Liam_Kalson]

The way she feels about the viola is the way I feel about the lute and the classical guitar. I love it in Italian chamber music when the tiny, imperfect sound of the lute just pops in from the background.

[@CasioPrompt]

I wish I could let Jennifer know that her performance has been an aspect of my current D&D character. I adore the Viola and especially the eerie sounds it produces when out of its comfort zone.

[@jenniferstumm4136]

Pilot Vehdrehl Thank you!!! I’m honored

[@EricSpencer1]

I saw Jennifer perform at Carnegie Hall this past week (3/14/17), her tone is heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I love this notion of finding beauty in imperfection. Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese phrase that loosely translates to this. I love thinking of the viola (and most humans) as wabi-sabi. This is well worth your ~10 minutes.

[@specodust8770]

I play the viola and it is so beautiful, my orchestra teacher (LOVE HER) assigned the viola's the melody for 4 pieces. I was overwhelmed at first with feeling like I would fail because everyone else was to be quiet while the viola showed it's stuff. But as I practiced and played everyday for hours I realized how beautiful it would be if viola could have more melodies! We played and though my hands were sweaty I had pride over the songs I'd rehearsed over and over with my friends at my side! I love viola in all of its voice cracks awkwardness but that's what makes it special. The audience cheered for us, the viola's, the amazing and wonderful thing that is orchestra!!!!😄😄😄😄

[@marcush3997]

came here after watching twosets' videos

[@TheSIGHTREADINGProject]

Haha, yes, we do get harshed by Brett and Eddie! Secretly like their Viola t-shirt though!

[@mothbag]

Just started on the viola, I can already hear the vast disappointment in basically everyone I inform

[@TheSIGHTREADINGProject]

That's if they know what one is! Good luck, I started a year ago. Playing Silent Night with the school orchestra next week :)

[@BJB104]

What did the violist say to the violist?

[@santiagoporcino4229]

@@BJB104 We're sh*t.

[@nicolefess7227]

I saw this when I was younger and having dounts about pursuing the viola and this is the reason why I found my passion. Thank you!

[@christophermitchell1827]

Good 4 u sweetheart😁😁😁😁😁😁 you chose an instrument that you can express the way u feel😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@Bluemoonofky]

I've never heard a more beautifully played viola! ❤️ You are a viola virtuoso. Bravo! 🌹🌷🌹🌷

[@maxraina6612]

This artist have some beautiful feelings for her instrument, the way she talk and look at her viola,, is mesmerizing

[@whole24]

I play the viola too, and your choice of words resonated deeply with me. Thank you for sharing this. :)

[@neoleomedia1676]

Agreed!

[@theepicgamer2028]

Thank you for sticking and standing up for the Viola and Violist. You were beautiful.

[@Judexy22]

When you said in French " Romance Oubliee " (Forgotten Romance) , I felt I would cry ! I love the Viola. I do not play well ! So, I am always trying to move the Sound Post. The Humidity on my Island may also be a factor for helping the imperfections !

[@MrMKH2010]

Please do not move the sound post. Leave it where it is. Get some Desiccant. Put it in your case. It will remove the humidity. www.amazon.com/Packets-Desiccant-Reusable-Moisture-Absorber/dp/B00J0JDOC8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479617844&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=desiccant&psc=1

[@Judexy22]

Michael Hill Thank you, Michael. I will buy some as per your advice. Thanks again.

[@billieringert2018]

This is beautiful. I love playing the viola for all the reasons she stated and more. I embrace that it's imperfect, and I love that about the instrument.

[@ecoibis]

I was violinist, no the best but no bad violinist... I'd know the viola in de Orchestra, but when I eared a violist playing Brux's Romanza, I still quiet, my skin was as chicken skin and feeling a lump in one's throat. I worked to buy a viola, and was faulty, hadn't the soul. 3 years was kept and later a luthier composed it... my viola have a beautiful tune, I love her... violin is not to me my love, viola is that I love... really unloved with my viola

[@powerofone1645]

I enjoyed your story.

[@Daniel.Bender]

PowerOf One did you mean Bruch, when you said Brux? If so... It is also my favourite piece for the viola. PS: am a violinist:)

[@thelandoftoysandfun377]

Abiezer Violist guy I

[@violatingz3056]

PowerOf One I would have, had I understood it

[@tylercruz1896]

Bruch’s romanze is such a great piece to play

[@denniscaroli1585]

Bravo!!! Thank you so much for telling the world the truth about this beautiful instrument. As a violist I salute you and because of you I will continue to play this emotional instrument.

[@arisk2410]

At my high school I wanted to get a violin but I ended up with the viola. I was annoyed because I really wanted the violin. This video changed me. Thank you

[@mdlouie]

Many years ago, I wanted to get a trumpet, but I ended up with a tuba. I was so disappointed I cried. It ended up being the best thing that could have happened, ultimately opening doors that I didn't even know existed... So I hope you've stuck with the viola, and all the best.

[@arisk2410]

@@mdlouie I have stuck with viola and still play it a year later

[@willzoom7]

@@arisk2410 😄🎻

[@violinbuff3782]

Very beautiful! You are a natural talent for viola and have a big personality on the stage.

[@elizabethrubioquiles2080]

Totally! ☺️

[@jacob9673]

By having natural talent do you mean committing hours upon hours, days upon days, and weeks upon weeks of practice?

[@jadenwentz6773]

Bad Jokes Yes I hate when people say I'm talented and don't realize that I would not sound good if it weren't for the hours and hours of practice

[@theyellowentity9668]

Viola gang?

[@sebastianzaczek]

Viola gang!

[@neoleomedia1676]

Viola gang!

[@thijsvorstman9005]

Viola gang (:

[@nolimitsluke]

cello gang!

[@connormahalick4535]

Double Bass gang!

[@novsmind]

I want twoset to react to this

[@naomisilitonga9893]

Yes yes

[@happypiano4810]

YES!

[@n_volha]

Yes!

[@wasupdoc1738]

Beautifully said. I also love the viola and played it for a number of years also in the orchestra, the dark full sounds and its sonorous lower sound captivating me. I always look out for it when listening to a symphony orchestra as I also love the middle parts, harmony is my thing.

[@se7ensnakes]

This TED talk viola intro is a masterpiece. I went to look for those songs and play them. it is always great when you find a piece that you truly like and enjoy.

[@ButtBagMcButts]

Just beautiful. I greatly respect her. Everything that she said about the viola is true

[@susannahayres-thomas7185]

It has a depth and richness all its own. Brava ! Bravissima!

[@jairochaves8916]

11 anos depois, ainda me emociono ao ver este vídeo. Bravo Profa Stumm😊😊😊

[@ridhimajoshi9296]

Violas sound Beautiful and relaxing. They're surreal

[@pecator70]

May I thank you from the bottom of my heart: your love for the viola genuinely touched me deeply! You are a true ambassador for this unique, lovable and somethimes moody instrument! 👍😊

[@mariaestherrivas4988]

Her passion for the instrument is beautiful to watch. Thank you

[@jmitterii2]

I wrote a small piece of the orchestra in high school. Some of the violist complained I wrote a section for them that carried a melody theme instead of boring accompaniment, that he (and a few others) chose Viola because it generally get's the "easier" harmonic accompaniment. They played it anyway and eventually seemed to really like it, personally think they kind of liked getting a little attention.... they were just nervous with the extra attention of our orchestra teacher. I learned a lot too... like difference between slurring and not putting slurs... since I had at that time never played a string instrument, learned how down bow and up bow works, and that you can take advantage of that sound, as well as ways to write to eliminate up and down bow to sound more lyrical or wind like.

[@jackpine1975]

Amazing talent and dedication. You're an inspiration. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@charlpaulse7622]

I couldn't agree more. Thank you for advocating on our behalf.

[@AlejandroParis]

the viola sound is HORRIBLY recorded... but really good, anyways

[@thatsEforEveryone]

I thought it was just my ears lmao

[@dennyswu]

Yeah, the person in charge of recording should consider another day/night job.

[@happypiano4810]

It’s so warbly. I think they tried to add reverb to an instrument that doesn’t naturally produce very much.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

TEDx Talks The Vertical Viola works around this issue by having a 20 inch body but it's also big enough that you can play it vertically like a Cello which relieves weight off the Shoulder but it also allows the sound to project towards the walls.

[@foxalini]

Thanks so much. You've opened these old ears. Beautifull.

[@laurenvuceta1101]

Haha that British accent was so funny for violinists, it's so true we are that way sometimes (sorry). She is probably one of the best intrumentalists on a Ted talk. This was pretty amazing.

[@Argentum.19]

All she said about the viola is so true! I am touched.

[@rachaelbratsch]

A beautiful reminder of why I am proud to be a violist.

[@RaulCespedes]

I play the viola too...and she is a genius!!!❤

[@ravenblonde]

Hauntingly Beautiful!

[@skskskskssmmrnrbff2957]

OMG I NEEDED THIS I PLAY THE VIOLA THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@macart5429]

As a thirteen year old viola player, I can even relate to this even though I’m not a professional.

[@Ghosty_B0o]

I play the viola, (as I'm writing this, Viola just got autocorrected to violin,) this makes me so happy to hear someone talk about the Viola🥹

[@violachick1]

Magic!! Your playing has "soul", and it speaks to the heart..

[@corwinsharp4343]

Try Bach's cello suites on the viola - absolutely beautiful. In fact, I think that it was Perlman who said that he thought that Bach really had the viola in mind when he composed the suites. Check out Lillian Fuchs playing all the suites on the viola.

[@jeffg5179]

Corwin Sharp I think they say both Bach and Mozart played viola in chamber ensembles, though they were perfectly capable of playing violin. To be in the middle of the voicing.

[@tiadatta9450]

I LOVED your Music!! You play Beautifully!! Thank you! Loved your great speech too. :) Thank you.

[@jacemeldrum5052]

to be fair, Beethoven used to have to play viola professionally, if I remember correctly, to support his family.

[@janus1363]

Not just Beethoven. Mozart, Schubert and Dvorak all played viola.

[@Emando_com]

So, for that matter, did Hindemith.

[@user-my4kx1sy2z]

Martin Stillion that's kinda messed up.

[@monitor1998]

Beethoven’s Viola is still in existence

[@paperaviation147]

Yep he did it for some coin

[@DLamasVla]

Amazing words and amazing playing Jennifer. Brava!!!

[@deidrecandicescholtz1535]

I enjoyed watching this. I was privilege to listen to you in concert last night at the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (Faculty Concert 6).

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

I was a viola player in my middle school strings orchestra. I don't think I've ever even seen another viola player except among the others in an entire orchestra. What a great presentation.

[@magdalenachavez598]

How cool is this talk! I love it and learned a lot

[@danhu4465]

Absolutely beautiful! The music as well as the stories. I am an amateur viola player and I love this video.

[@shaunakellyyy9270]

I love how inspirational her story is, like she heard it and knew it was for her. Not gonna lie, I filled out the wrong form and ended up with the viola but I mean, mistakes happen for a reason!😂

[@iarreolav]

I went to the store to buy a violin with my mom as a 6th grader. They ran out of violins. I wasn't going home empty handed so i got a viola lol.

[@charlenefoo3985]

I play the viola and I LOVE IT!

[@mikeegasidan7557]

Thanks for the motivation.

[@orlandosanidad6342]

Wonderful what a talent ! What a great sound ❤️

[@cobastauffer7030]

a TEDtalk about the viola?? i thought i’d never see the day! (in all seriousness though thank you so much for this, i really needed motivation to practice for auditions and i think this did the trick)

[@TheSIGHTREADINGProject]

Really interesting. Started learning to play a year ago. Would love to sound like this!

[@duncanandrew3307]

In folk music they say make the tune your own. I think the same applies to the instrument you play, and, wow, you have certainly done that. Thank you, from a magnanimous fiddle player.

[@studiosinger]

My elementary music teacher suggested I play it on a day of her appointing instruments to students for orchestra. Desperate orchestras butter up violists egos as if we’re gold.

[@jeromepaget2542]

Nicely presented and good job . "Beauty can be in imperfection".

[@sirasy]

Thank you!

[@Uwek212]

When she played Liszt, I was stunned.

[@JMK237]

Thank you

[@arcturusthelibrarian1463]

No joke I play the viola because I wanted to learn to play "He's a pirate" which my orchestra teacher played for my class when he told us about learning instruments in 5th grade

[@orlandosanidad6342]

Love it !

[@keijanayeazell5351]

Ugh I wish I could vibrato

[@skylerrash1622]

Keijana Y Said every teenage string player ever.

[@emma-hl7bv]

Same here

[@shaunakellyyy9270]

Can you do it now? I play and it took me about 6 months to fully get it once I was actually decent

[@eggy4884]

@@shaunakellyyy9270 It's been a year, I'm assuming yes if they've continued to play

[@neoleomedia1676]

You’ll learn!

[@nuibit8868]

I adore the viola for it's human, yet wooden tone that can bring it from comforting warm tones, like a log cabin in the winter with a fire in the fireplace, to fearful screams and growls and shrieks, to an emotional punch in the chest of it's human song, yet wooden tones. It conveys such emotion, and you can hear that the instrument seems to put it's own emotion and words into the piece, giving it some extra punch. I used to play viola (I still have mine, though it's only a beginner viola), and I can attest to it's finnicky nature and delayed singing, but that's what makes it fun. It's repertoire is much smaller, and seemingly easier than a violin's, but a viola needs more technique, emotion, and intention to be played well.

[@morgan-rq6gj]

i play the viola because i felt that the violin was overrated. i almost played the cello until i realized i didn't want to have to sit there, i wanted to be able to move around more, making the viola perfect for my needs. also because jake the dog from adventure time plays the viola

[@bckm54]

i played the viola cuz the violin always sounded shrill to me.

[@neoleomedia1676]

Agreed man, that’s my thinking!

[@daracoppolone8836]

chills!

[@ayasagiv8295]

I was a violinist and I play the viola for over 10 years now and I do think that the viola is the “middle child” of the string family. It’s an amazing instrument and I think more people should know about it and play it.

[@kliudrsfhlih]

this was beautiful

[@powerofone1645]

Perfectly said. :)

[@jillgeary1313]

Thank you for sharing and promoting the viola. I own a 20" viola - actually an Alto Violin/Vertical Viola - which I guess makes it less imperfect.

[@paganini967]

very beautiful!!! bravo!!!

[@alndeem8888]

Viola has a wonderful sound, and I think that musicians or viola lovers "with the exception of you, my lady" bear a large part of people not knowing about this great instrument because they do not talk much about it and for this reason only few know about it and its splendor.

[@denoamancio4009]

Viola e o seu som com um acento suave, recolhido e melancólico, se o seu som tivesse sabor seria o do mais tenro chocolate ♥️🎻

[@leonardobarrios1596]

esto es lo mas poético sobre la viola, bravo.

[@LarryShone]

Beautiful

[@EdMcF1]

The Emperor of Japan plays the viola, he switched from the violin as he didn't want to be so prominent.

[@cynthia8801]

She just convinced me

[@UnequalTemperament]

Beautiful -- all of it, your playing and your spoken meditation upon your instrument. This was like a one-act play -- or a soliloquy. I'm going to show this to the violists I know and to some non-violists as well. (The only flaw I can find in this mediation on finding beauty and expression from flaws is that the sound sometimes seems not to switch from the vocal mic to the room/viola mic at the opportune moment, so that the sound of the viola drops down for a bit, but it's still wonderful overall.) Again, well done! Thank you for this.

[@isam1860]

comment ne pas être séduite par cette sublime mélodie de Brahms..

[@user-dm8xz2ee1q]

I really agree her. Sometimes I play the viola but always feel that I'm in confusion, about finger reach, slice of pitch and timing.

[@gvn933]

I Love The Viola.

[@andrewanderson3016]

I did not expect it to sound as good as it did when she played it all the way down the c string

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The Hutchins Alto Violin aka Upright Viola is a exception because the body is big enough for those low notes but it's also big enough that you can hold it like a Cello. This was way before those larger Violas have been revived & also their playing position was reoriented to being vertical.

[@mc.zepeda]

This makes me proud to play viola

[@iahribeiro7637]

viola do meu coração ❤❤❤

[@songsabai3794]

The best of both worlds....5-string violin.

[@jackbho6594]

Nope, 5 string contrabass.

[@songsabai3794]

Ouch!...try get'n that under your chin,dude

[@songsabai3794]

Sure, if you don't mind missing the sparkle of the "E" string when you go to the viola for Celtic, Jazz or bluegrass type music.

[@mimi-dy8uc]

Haley Sabai i wanna learn the violin and memorised the strings as a weird "good day" like gdae mate how are u

[@songsabai3794]

Sorry, but you are over-thinking your approach....

[@jmc1032]

Beethoven: Duet with 2 Obligato Eyeglasses for Viola and Cello