Lunchbox/Soapbox: Emma Ayres on The Viola: A big violin, a small cello, or just a joke?

As the old joke goes, the definition of a gentleman is someone who can play the viola, but chooses not to. So, what is a viola? Why did all the most famous composers play it, including Jimi Hendrix? And why is this beautiful instrument the laughing stock of the orchestra?
Emma Ayres is a classically trained musician and the darling of ABC Classic FM Breakfast. In this talk, she lets loose on the viola haters in a pointed, funny classical music rant. And to dispel any final doubts, she also plays.

[@notimportant9360]

I'm so happy to be a violist who started off with the viola and is taught by a violist who also started as a violist!

[@barriereid9244]

I am a cellist and recently bought a viola to be able to play out in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The Highlands as it would be impossible\insane for me to lug my cello up a mountain. I am no Yo Yo Mah with a team of roadies! I see the viola as the little brother\sister of the cello and my Anton Klier viola is much loved and cared for.

[@waverleyeisteddfod1377]

How do you protect your violin against theft? You put it in a viola case. :-D I love violas, and, like Bach, prefer their tone to violins. Thank you for your gorgeous and informative talk, Eddie.

[@bluebow68]

I've just started the Viola..Thanks for such information and inspiration Emma..

[@lydiachong1274]

The thumbs down was from a violinist.

[@stanbattle7436]

I can't tell you how many times I have waited for you to finish your shift on ABC Classical before I can turn it on without being nauseated by you.

[@barriereid9244]

Is a violin just a fiddle?

[@nori6162]

im a violist

[@nori6162]

and i started as a violist not a violinist