12-17-2007, 01:39 PM
I thought about starting a violists thread, but that seemed too selective (whether for common decency or for practicality I have yet to decide ;) ), so here I am with an appeal to all string musicians.
Questions (which I somehow feel compelled to pose, regardless of whether or not you feel inclined to answer all or any of them, disregard them entirely or perhaps even invent some of your own):
What instrument do you play? (Why? How long?)
Do you play solo or in groups? What sort of groups?
What music do you really like to play? Dislike?
Is the above any different from what you like or dislike listening to?
What is your favorite viola joke?
I am a violist, and have been one for just over nine years (that long already? Wow). I had been a violinist for a year before that, but soon saw the light (or perhaps the darkness ;) ) when my string orchestra conductor pleaded for some more violists, and I have been a happy member of the fellowship of alto clef readers ever since. I have played solo and with string and full orchestras in middle and high school. I did play with my college full orchestra for a while, but I intend to take the next semester or two away from the group. I have, alas, only ever dabbled in chamber music, though I should like to experience it more.
The baroque period is one of my least favorite eras of classical music to listen to, but I imagine that it might be fun to play with the intimacy of a small group. As a violist, I have a particular detestation of French composers, who do not seem to have thought much of my instrument (consider the Meditation from Massenet's Thaïs, Chabrier's España, and any number of other tedious and boring pieces). However, I have very much enjoyed Bach's 'Little Fugue' (Fugue in g minor, BWV 578) arranged for string orchestra, Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony, Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto, and Dvorak's Seventh Symphony. Also, I played in a pit orchestra for Fiddler on the Roof and I would love to do other musicals as well.
As you have probably surmised, I am quite fond of viola and violist jokes - such idiosyncratic louts as we do very much enjoy poking fun at ourselves. My present favorite is:
Q: What is the difference between alto clef and ancient Greek?
A: Some conductors actually read ancient Greek.
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