Alto is a string instrument that hassimilar device with a violin. However, it is a little more, which makes it sound lower. Alto strings are tuned in a special way. They are lower than the violin by the fifth, while higher than the cello by an octave. Notes for viola are written in treble and alto keys.
History of occurrence
The viola instrument is considered the earliest ofexisting bowed. The time of its occurrence is attributed to the XV ― XVI centuries. This tool was the first to receive the usual form for today. It was designed by Antonio Stradivari. The ancestor of the viola is considered to be the viol for the hand. This instrument was held at the left shoulder. It should be mentioned that the closest relative - viola da gamba was kept on his knee. The Italian name of the musical instrument has been reduced with time to viola. In this form, it is preserved in the English language. Bratsche was in German and similar. The instrument viola is measured in millimeters. There are instances from 350 to 425 mm. The choice of size depends on the length of the hand of the performer. Of the violin series, viola is the closest to violas, given the size and sound. Therefore, he quickly appeared in the orchestra as an average voice; he joined the symphony very harmoniously. Viola, therefore, was the bridge between the endangered line of violas and violin instruments, which were born at that time.
Playing technique
Alto is a musical instrument that requiresspecial technology. Playing on it is different from the one that is inherent in the violin. The difference lies in the way of picking. The game technique is more limited due to the large size and the need for significant stretching of the fingers. Alta timbre is matte, thick, less bright, when compared with the violin, velvety on the lower register, in the upper one it is somewhat nasal. The size of the body of a musical instrument does not match the order. This is what forms the unusual timbre. With a length of 46 to 47 centimeters, the instrument has a length of 38 to 43 cm. On altoes with large sizes that approach the classical, mostly solo performers play. They have strong hands, as well as developed equipment. As a solo instrument, viola is used relatively rarely. The point here is a small repertoire. However, relatively recently, many good violists have appeared, such as: Yuri Kramarov, Kim Kashkashyan, Yuri Bashmet. The main area of application of this musical instrument is the string and symphony orchestras. Here solo episodes are dedicated to the alto, as well as middle voices. This musical instrument is a mandatory member of the string quartet. It can be used in other chamber compositions. For example, a piano quintet or quartet or a string trio. Violists have traditionally not been made since childhood, but switched to this instrument at a relatively mature age. As a rule, after graduating from music school, at the time of admission to the conservatory or college. Most often, violinists with a large physique, a broad vibration and large hands are switching to alt. Some great musicians combined two instruments. For example, David Oistrakh and Niccolò Paganini.
Famous musicians
Instrument viola chose Yuri Abramovich Bashmet.Among the other famous musicians who preferred our hero are Vladimir Romanovich Bakaleynikov, Rudolf Borisovich Barsh, Igor Isaakovich Boguslavsky, Vadim Vasilievich Borisovsk, Fyodor Serafimovich Druzhinin, Yury Markovich Kohmarov, Turtis Lionel Masry, Mr. Coryowa, Mr. Taratis Lionel, and he, and he will be chosen by him. Hindemith, Tabea Zimmerman, Dmitry Vissarionovich Shebalin, William Primrose, Michael Benediktovich Kugel.
Works
The instrument alto with orchestra sounds in “Concertsymphonies ”by V. A. Mozart,“ Sonata ”by Niccolò Paganini, as well as by G. Berlioz, B. Bartok, Hindemith, William Walton, E. Denisov, A. Schnittke, G. F. Telemann, A. I. Golovin. The combination with clavier is found in M. I. Glinka, D. D. Shostakovich, Brahms, Schumann, Nikolai Roslavets, A. Hovanessa. Solo can be heard in the works of Max Reger, Moses Weinberg, Ernst Kshenek, Sebastian Bach, Paul Hindemith. Without our hero, Adolphe Adam's ballet Giselle didn’t do. He also sounds in the symphonic poem by Richard Strauss “Don Quixote”. Not without it, and the ballet Leo Deliba "Coppelia". One should also recall the opera “The Makropulos Affair” by Janacek. It sounds in Boris Asafiev’s ballet The Fountain of Bakhchisarai.
Other principle
There is also a fundamentally different alto - brasstool. It is called althorn. This is a brass musical instrument. It belongs to the family of saxgorns. The range is A - es 2. Due to the inexpressive and dull sound, the scope of use is limited only to brass bands. There, he is usually allotted, middle voices.
