Alto is a stringed instrument that has a similar device with a violin. However, it is slightly larger, why its sound has a lower register. The strings of the viola are tuned in a special way. They are lower than the violins by a fifth, while higher than the cello by an octave. Notes for viola are written in violin and viola keys.
History of occurrence
The alt instrument is considered to be the earliest of the existing bow instruments. The time of its occurrence is referred to the XV-XVI centuries. This tool was the first to get used to the present day form. It was designed by Antonio Stradivari. The ancestor of the viola is usually considered a viola for the hand. This tool was held at the left shoulder. It should be mentioned that the nearest relative - viola da gamba was kept on his knee. The Italian name of the musical instrument was reduced over time to viola. In this form it is preserved in English. In German and similar with him horrible Bratsche. The alt instrument is measured in millimeters. There are instances from 350 to 425 mm. The choice of size depends on how long the performer has. From the violin series, it was the viola that most approached the violas, given the size and sound. Therefore he quickly appeared in the orchestra, as an average voice, he merged into the symphony in a very harmonious way. The Alt was thus a bridge between the disappearing clan of viols and the violin instruments that were being born at the time.
Game Technique
Alto is a musical instrument that requires special techniques. The game on it is different from the one that is inherent in the violin. The difference lies in the way the sound is produced. The technique of the game, more limited due to the large size and the need for considerable stretching of the fingers. The timbre of the alto is matte, dense, less bright when compared with the violin, velvety in the lower register, in the upper one - somewhat nasal. The dimensions of the body of the musical instrument do not correspond to the formation. This is what creates an unusual timbre. With a length of 46 to 47 centimeters, the instrument has a length of 38 to 43 cm. On violas with large dimensions that approach the classical, mostly solo performers play. They have strong hands, as well as developed technology. As a solo instrument, viola is used relatively rarely. The point here is a small repertoire. However, relatively recently, many good viola players have appeared, such as Yuri Kramarov, Kim Kashkashyan, Yuri Bashmet. The main field of application of this musical instrument is the string and symphony orchestras. Here the viola is dedicated to solo episodes, as well as medium voices. This musical instrument is an obligatory participant in the string quartet. Can be used in other chamber formations. For example, a piano quintet or quartet or a string trio. Altists traditionally did not become from childhood, but switched to this instrument in a relatively mature age. As a rule, after the end of the music school, during admission to the conservatory or school. More often, violinists with a large physique, wide vibration and big hands switch to viola. Some great musicians combined two instruments. For example, David Oistrakh and Niccolo Paganini.
Famous musicians
The instrument of viola was chosen by Yuri Abramovich Bashmet. Among other famous musicians who gave preference to our hero, it should be noted Vladimir Romanovich Bakaleynikov, Rudolf Borisovich Barshay, Igor Isaakovich Boguslavsky, Vadim Vasilievich Borisovsky, Fedor Druzhinin, Yuri Markovich Kramarov, Tertis Lionel, Maurice Vieux, Maxim Rysanov, Kim Kashkashyan, Paul Hindemith, Tabea Zimmermann, Dmitry Vissarionovich Shebalin, William Primrose, Mikhail Benediktovich Kugel.
Works
The instrument of viola and orchestra sounds in Mozart's Concert Symphony, Niccolo Paganini's Sonata, as well as by G. Berlioz, B. Bartók, Hindemith, William Walton, E. Denisov, A. Schnittke, G. F. Telemann, AI Golovin. The combination with the clavier is found in MI Glinka, D. D. Shostakovich, Brahms, Schumann, Nikolai Roslavets, A. Hovaness. Solo can be heard in the works of Max Reger, Moses Weinberg, Ernst Kshenek, Sebastian Bach, Paul Hindemith. Without our hero, the ballet Adolphe Adam "Giselle" did not work. It also sounds in the symphonic poem of Richard Strauss "Don Quixote". Not without him was Leo Delibes' ballet "Coppelia". Also remember the opera "The Means of Macropulos" by Janáček. It also sounds in the ballet of Boris Asafiev "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai".
Another principle
There is also a fundamentally different alt - wind instrument. It is customary to call altgorn. This is a copper musical instrument. It belongs to the family of saxgorns. Range - A - es 2. Due to the inexpressive and dim sound, the scope of use is limited only by brass bands. There he, as a rule, is allocated, middle voices.