Top 5 Most INFURIATING Misconceptions About Viola

[@elissahunt]

I think one of the saddest things about viola is that most non-musicians don't even know what it is. As you said, there are a limited number of concertos (concerti?) for viola, and few well-known symphonic solos. It's no wonder the general public barely knows violas exist.

[@sarahng1938]

very true

[@achen5689]

(OP) It's nice that you acknowledge this. As a composer, I am hoping to change that. I already finished the first and third movement of my Viola Sonata Suite, and I'm just about finished with my whole LGBT Suite for String Quartet; completely enamored with Viola melodies and cadenzas and virtuosic "showoff" sections.

[@danielputrahandana2982]

Viola is the most Honest Instrument It always tell the truth about the Intonation and the personal character but the Honesty that Viola has makes small viola(Violin) jealous The warmth of the middle voice and key that only Viola and alto singer used makes it special

[@halloweenbaby4192]

That just opened my eyes about something, high singers sopranos, they have their charm sure but it’s always the powerful alto singers that give me and everyone else goose bumps, and from my experience it feels like my heart warms up and my very being becomes Entranced when I hear cellos bass or viola in the shadows of a song, I play viola btw and sometimes during long rests ( which happen often 🥲) I close my eyes and just enjoy a vibration and music of the bass and cellos.

[@emeraldslime4838]

Coming from a violinist…. Violas don’t make us jealous, it’s the opposite we feel bad.. in a good way. I have to disagree with saying that the viola is the most honest instrument, every instrument is honest, you cant hide your intonation or lack of musicality on any other string instrument.

[@wyp8421]

@@halloweenbaby4192 I sing the alto part in the choir , and in the church congregation whenever I attend the worship . Likewise , I love the joy viola provides as much as violin does . They both are magnificent musical instruments when people well play them .

[@nevaansbooks2078]

@@emeraldslime4838 I'm a violist, and I can read Treble, Alto, and Bass clef. My main level, of course, is Alto clef, but I can read all three.

[@caroldumond7001]

I have a friend who put it this way: The violin is pretty, sure, but anybody can be pretty when they're fifteen. The viola has been around the block a few times; she has smoked a few too many cigarettes, had a few too many drinks, loved a few too many men, and generally achieved a depth of character undreamed of by any teenager with a high voice.

[@johnjankiewicz3478]

I play the viola and it was my first choice of bowed string instruments. The beautiful alto voice is what attracted me. I snort at viola jokes and just ignore them. I have to explain to people what a viola is but in the end it is my love of it's beautiful sound that matters to me.

[@thomassicard3733]

Bando joke (and it's a good one, really!): Q: WHY is a viola BETTER than a violin? A: Because it BURNS longer.

[@MaryAnn_007]

I'm glad you're defending the viola & violists and educating people. The viola is actually more like a baby cello than a big violin lol. I play the cello, and to me there's nothing more beautiful than that C string. 😍 I always look forward to your compositions, by the way, and I've enjoyed the duets you've done.

[@valentinagrand5113]

Thank you so much for this video. I am a violist myself and even among musicians, these conversations about violin vs viola are so tiring. Your video is educative, informative and it expresses exactly what I feel.

[@laurenmontera9516]

I'm just relieved when I don't have to answer "what's a viola?" It annoys me when they keep getting it mixed up with cellos and violins during my explanation. I'm peeved that I can't read all of the treble cleft because I have to translate it from alto cleft which only goes so far. Lastly, how every time pop music is arranged for strings, even if the singer is an alto or a tenor, it's always arranged so that the violin or cello gets the melody. ABBA medley was unrecognizable to my disco hating mom.

[@akaymac1]

The first instrument I played in elementary through middle school was viola! I was the only one in my school's orchestra haha...no one seemed to understand the beautiful qualities it has. I love the mature, more mellow sound it gives and I really enjoyed playing it as a kid. I switched to cello as an adult, and I have definitely encountered new challenges with that. The viola needs to be appreciated more! If it weren't for them, orchestras just wouldn't sound as rich! You really notice the difference when they aren't there.

[@AubreyTheChicken]

I had a teacher with a five string instrument that worked as both a viola and a violin and we called it a violanola

[@swflcocmusic4626]

A flautista friend asked me, "what's the difference between a violin and a viola?" Then she answered her own question - "a viola burns longer." Sort of says it all... Thanks for your videos. They're inspiring me to go practice!

[@Lamadesbois]

Hi Viola King, I commented on an earlier video of yours that the viola playing in the background rendered your talking difficult for me to concentrate on. I want to update on that. In this video, despite the busy background viola, I could understand you well 👍 Viola 🤝 violin.

[@ruikasasfixer]

as a viola player, i dont know what made me choose it, i just heard it and went “yep, thats what i want to play” and ive heard the “viola is violin but bigger/smaller” but i like to call it the miniature cello

[@irisgirl86music14]

Great video. I'll say a few things based on personal experience (as someone who plays both regularly). 1. I don't necessarily like to say "oh viola is harder than violin" per se, as every instrument is difficult in its own way. The viola is absolutely physically harder to play, though, but violinists play more demanding or acrobatic music more often. Like there's this constant debate on violin vs cello, which one is easier/harder, and truthfully, both are difficult in their own way, and I'd say the same thing for violin vs viola as well. To add, I am also visually impaired, and many people have commented that "oh viola must be easy for you because you didn't have to worry about the clef", and my response is "not necessarily, there are other things to worry about as a transitioning player, and I'm also a very small person on top of that, which makes playing viola a more significant physical challenge." 2. One major factor that may fuel the perception that viola is the easy way out or violists are failed violinists could be related to the fact that many violinists first start playing viola to fill gaps in orchestra or chamber ensembles, and especially in youth groups, the viola parts are often a bit easier than, say, the first violin parts. That is only a very narrow and inaccurate picture of what a violist can really do, and if you really put your heart and soul into exploring the viola's individual character and its solo repertoire, you'll view the viola in a completely different way. 3. Regarding the viola has limited repertoire, this may be fueled by the fact that if you look at , say, a top 100 pieces of classical music list, you'll certainly find some soloistic pieces featuring the violin or cello, but not the viola. The viola's repertoire is relatively unknown to most casual classical music audiences, and the fact that there are way fewer pre 20th century viola pieces than other instruments doesn't help. Other instruments, such as the bassoon, the double bass, and the trombone also have more obscured solo repertoire.

[@noahplaysstuff4096]

“A few things” =understatement lol but it’s true.

[@Edcounsellor]

I have to admit, I have fallen into a few of these misconceptions myself. Thanks for setting the record straight. Also, in your opinion, where do five string violins and five string violas fit into this conversation? If they do at all?

[@ViolaKing]

Electric instruments require a different kind of nuance unlike normal violin and viola playing. Whether or not the person playing is a violinist or violist, it’s necessary to understand that style (as in sounding more like an electric guitar)

[@caroldumond7001]

@@ViolaKing there was the viola pomposa long before electricity. There's very little literature for it, though, because it's so rare.

[@cesca6829]

Viola v violin is a matter of taste, but I just love the warmth of the viola. It's not just squeaky E strings, the viola A string is more resonant than the violin A etc. My boyfriend sometimes sticks his fingers in his ears when the violins play high!

[@charlottestormie2739]

I used to believe the viola was two different instruments from itself, because violas come in different sizes and that viola has a different name in my language. I wasn't quite sure what the difference was, but my brain just didn't make the connection. I didn't realise until a few days before my first ever violin lesson at the age of 27. (about 6 months ago) I've been considering switching over to the viola and telling a few friends about it, the ones who had heard about the viola believed the viola was smaller than the violin. At least I never believed that.

[@theholyone2024]

As a violinist, I can say I love the viola, as how it works, is a middle line between bass and high, Thats why a lot of concerts/solos are so brilliant! I play the violin with a viola teacher, And I HATE when people say "violins duet", Just... Viola is one of the best things, also of the other instruemnts. :D

[@Emilsonlim]

It has an endless possibilities of composing new music.

[@andrewhcit]

I think the main thing that fuels the idea that violinists are better than violists is that it seems that way at middle school ages when kids first play in orchestras. But that's because the violinists have usually been playing for much longer. It's hard to find violas smaller than 12", which means it's extremely difficult to start viola at ages younger than 8-9 unless you're unusually large for your age. On the other hand, I've met several violinists who call themselves "late starters" because they started at 8. In middle school, virtually all the violists either started late or switched from violin to viola recently, which means a substantial percentage of the violinists already have a big head start on them. That advantage gradually disappears over time, so that viola is just as competitive as violin at professional level. But middle school impressions produce stereotypes that stick for a long time.

[@SarumChoirmaster]

You forgot the Bach Brandenburg 6th and Telemann single and double concerti, Rolla concerti, Forscyth and Bowen concertos, Hummel, and other concertos of the classical period that are rarely known and played.

[@fiddlerjack]

All right story time. I decided I wanted to learn either a violin or a viola. Always loved both of them and I come from a very musically inclined family. Anyway, I went to a music store after doing some research to get a feel for them. Stick it on my shoulder. See how it felt. The people there told me that the ideal size instrument for me would probably be a 17-in Viola because my arms are ridiculously wide I come to find out that they usually only go up to 16 and 1/2 in and that was unfortunately all that was available so I got one and I'm really enjoying it. There's just something intuitive about it

[@Smoke---]

Man, being compared to violinists sucks, even by myself 😭 I legitimately feel like a failed/imposter musician fairly constantly even being principal of every section I play in, purely because the principal violinists seem so much better. It’s honestly kinda depressing, but it’s great motivation to be as good as I can possibly be

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I found a Hutchins Upright Viola which isn't compromised cause it has a 20 inch body which is big enough for the low notes to speak clearly, but it's also big enough that you can play it like a Cello.

[@doggo3991]

I followed you from your tiktok, and I came here to ask how can i get better on playing the viola. This is my first year, and I think you’ll say to practice. What things should I practice on? My viola sometimes sounds squeaky, and I don’t know how to practice my bowing well.

[@ViolaKing]

Practicing scales slowly, focusing on 1 part of your technique at a time. Watch the beginning of my 8-hour practice livestream for more specific exercises

[@MILAMGM]

Amen #violaPower and keep spreading the truth about our soulful instrument 🎻🌟

[@toast_stealer]

This is literally everything violists are made fun for, why is it us and not violinists that are the “bad” ones?

[@achen5689]

Isn't the Viola generally better than the Violin at two extended techniques: Harmonics and Left-Hand Finger-Tapping? (The latter, which, by the way, I learned from Jame's video demonstrating 10 cool irregular extended techniques!) One thing I learned from the research I conducted with my Violist: LH finger-tapping, when written into composition, is an un-sonorous, *_mp_* or *_p_* technique, *_BUT_* it sounds out quite nicely and richly on C-String; something which the Violin doesn't have....

[@catherinetypist2371]

Thank you viola king!

[@thig4374]

I would also like to add to your list of viola concertos that you missed: 1. Telemann 2. Vanhal 3. J.C. Bach 4. Rolla 5. Forsyth The list likely goes on.

[@ranonampangom2185]

Thanks for including Telemann, I love his work for viola!

[@thig4374]

@@ranonampangom2185 of course, he wrote the first ever viola concerto. That's worth mentioning, to say the least

[@caroldumond7001]

Don't forget duets; there are some neat ones around. W.F. Bach wrote a couple of viola duets that knock my socks off. CPE Bach wrote a duet for viola and bass recorder (or viola) and continuo, although that doesn't knock my socks off. Good pairing, though, as both bass recorder and viola are relatively quiet instruments.

[@g3rrd01_official7]

Hi! I just found your channel, and as a viola student in conservatory myself, your content gives me motivation and the feeling of not being alone with my problems. Thank you! Can I ask one question? I know that Nobuko Imai taught at Julliard school. Did you learn from her?

[@ViolaKing]

I'm not sure when she would have taught at Juilliard, but she doesn't currently teach there. I study with Samuel Rhodes. I would love to meet Nobuko some day

[@g3rrd01_official7]

@@ViolaKing Might have been a long time ago. I've just attended one of her masterclasses, she came to visit our country. She is amazing and sooo kind! Anyways, thank you for your answer!

[@violawizard]

Thanks for this!

[@davideviero1459]

If I may add... I just restarted studying music seriously three years ago (at 40 sigh). Even with my relatively untrained ears It's pretty easy to catch the difference in color and character between a violin and a viola...

[@deadmanswife3625]

The little Viola would be okay if it didn't Screech

[@emeraldslime4838]

Many people judge an instrument by its beginners, which is what your doing now which is very naive accusation you’ve made. The E string is said to be annoying but it’s not people like you just haven’t heard played correctly. Literally every instrument squeaks. Be quiet plz

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@emeraldslime4838 okay I'll start Monday. Being quiet

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@emeraldslime4838 don't even like the sound of Paganini when he hits that E string. Is it Monday yet? then I'm still talking

[@emeraldslime4838]

@@deadmanswife3625 what you said made no sense. First out of all the damn composers you choose Paganini. This shows that you have little knowledge in the musical category. Second when you say when Paganini hits the E string, you said he, have you heard him play? No, there is no real recording of Paganini because anything that records sound did not exist yet. Unless you mean when he composes and uses the E string then your wrong, what kind of recording did you listen to were the E string screeched. Third I didn’t even mention Paganini so you just pulled stuff out of your heel crust.

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@emeraldslime4838 wow I was about to agree with you as I always try to pacify fools. But I am kind of disappointed that you aren't even aware that a genuine audio recording does exist

[@sifridbassoon]

you didn't mention the best thing - the huge repertoire of jokes about the viola! 😁 joking aside, I love the sound of the viola. Several years ago, the orchestra I'm in played the ..... Faure (?) Requiem and I sat behind the viola section. It was magical. Also, the naming issue gets even more confusing if you include viola da gambas.

[@zpreucil]

The bathroom has never been the same....

[@familypreucil8763]

Agreed. Just today....considering remodeling.

[@theholyone2024]

As well, as violinist I can say between viola and violin only is size and more but, Both play wonderfull melodies, They have their own difficulty, as pieces, But both an play all melodies, in different octaves, But we are musicians, and we all play MUSIC, different intruments but also too equals.

[@melissahollowell7255]

I much prefer the sound of viola to violin. But I also prefer the sound of alto anything over their higher pitched brethren.

[@oxoelfoxo]

So, aside from Rachlin, any other good violin+viola players out there?

[@irisgirl86music14]

Yura Lee

[@Emilsonlim]

I always like the viola than violin.

[@thomassicard3733]

Violin vs Viola... yawn Each has its function. I have the DESIRE to play viola, so I do. I love great violin playing. Duh. I love great viola playing. Duh. I love great musicianship. DUUUUUHHHHHHH.

[@shannonrobertson7212]

That annoying E string for real!!! I've been learning the viola about 4 years now and wanted to try some fiddling so borrowed a friends violin. My bowing isn't bad and still I just can't stand that E string so close to my face! Back to the viola! Sure, fiddling will be more difficult but it'll sound wayyyy better for me at least. I'm the one with the thing so close to my face!

[@thomassicard3733]

Violin IS the most challenging instrument to play. Here's why: Violin notes are DANG CLOSE together, so if you are a little bit off, YOU'RE A MILE OFF. Viola? Not soooooo close notes. VERY close to the unbelieveably close violin torture, but no. Awkward? Yeah, viola!!! Ungodly, beastly-demanding-challenging? Yeah, viola... except VIOLIN IS MORE SO. BTW, after an amazing decades long musical career(s) on (whatever multiple instruments), I am learning viola at age 61. TOTALLY the thing to do, after all... it's VIOLA!!!! The most beautifully amazing weird coolest mysterious haunting pathos-abundant get-under-your-skin-and-blow-your-mind-sounding-instrument OF ALL. French horn? Won my audition for a Major Symphony at age 22. Piano? All my life - major concert halls - front and center spotlight - incredible experiences... whatever... VIOLA VIOLA VIOLA!!!!!!!!!!! It's the natural final step toward Heaven.

[@MrBass4art]

Since i saw you wanted to learn jazz get this Jazz, exploring jazz violin by Chris Haigh you will have to adapted it for viola and adjust the jazz technique for viola

[@FB-no4lr]

I wrote a full 23 minute viola concerto. Unfortunately, it'll never see the light of day. I'd have to find a soloist who's willing to learn it and then on top of that, an orchestra willing to play it... never gonna happen in today's classical music scene. Orchestras don't like to play new music because ticket sales go down... especially if they're trying to premiere a viola concerto!

[@MrChasekennedy]

I play the instrument violins wish they were. The 5 string viola. It can do what violins can and violas. I think thats my favorite that i own.

[@smithmusicstudies]

It's heavier than the violin

[@Corneliusthegnome]

My friend is a violinist and she can play cello better than she can play viola

[@IsaacParkViolin]

!

[@familypreucil8763]

!!

[@perplexed_hapax_144]

!!!

[@androidkenobi]

piano peanut gallery here how da f did sum1 think viola is a small violin? One can literally hear the size difference!

[@originalmusic1111]

Viola is purely untapped as a solo instrument you gotta have more imagination than knowledge or wisdom. It's like laptapping guitar its still untapped Erik Mongrain Got Us Closer To The Future Of What You Can Do With Laptapping In The Acoustic Guitar

[@HARPISTOL]

VIOLAS ARE BETTER THAN VIOLIN🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@lukeplaysviolin]

Trash

[@theholyone2024]

@TwoSetViolin