Viola in music Blog

Jan 17, Viola bibliography

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:53:35 GMT

Discover more about the viola, composers and the music in general through this viola bibliography

Jan 17, New viola book

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:55:08 GMT

Check this page, I've added a new viola book, by the virtuoso viola player Michael Kugel, on Shostakovich Sonata for viola and piano and Bartok Concerto for viola and orchestra. For all those who love these works, or those who find them a bit mysterious or those who never heard of them. Worth reading.

Jan 3, The Sinfonia Concertante

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:06:58 GMT

What is a Sinfonia Concertante? Anything to do with multiple concerto? Read about these nice works and the composers who wrote them and its relation with the viola

Jan 1, 2012

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:20:33 GMT

Hello,
for the new year 2012 I wish you all the best in all your endeavours and I send you a sort of little reminder, watch and enjoy this Monica

Dec 13, Another great gift idea for viola and violin players

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:28:48 GMT

Hello viola lover,
since viola and violin players are, in a way, like brother and sister or cousins, (heard of love/hate?) and some violin players play the viola too (although many attempt to...) or eventually switch to the viola when they really see the viola's true value, I thought I could recommend you, for yourself or for a friend (hear, hear!!!) a violin music package, with music not only for violin but also a lot of chamber music with viola and many other instruments. See the whole repertoire here and search for viola. It would be the perfect Christmas present for players of all levels, with music to play for years to come. It includes:

Four computer DVDs (for Mac or PC) with high quality digital sheet music violin repertoire in PDF file format together with MIDI, Mp3 audio files as well as exclusive Mp3 accompaniment files (over 30 GB of data on 4 DVDs).
A printed copy of Basics of Violin Playing book.
A printed copy of Very Easy Collection for violin solo (for beginner players).
A printed copy of the Allegro by Fiocco for violin and piano (for intermediate players).
A printed copy of the Meditation from Thais by Massenet for violin and piano (for advanced players).
A printed copy of the famous Violin Concerto in E minor by Mendelssohn for violin and piano (for advanced players).
Life time musical support from the friendly Virtual Sheet Music staff and from M° Fabrizio Ferrari.

Of course, on their website there is also a lot of viola music, listed on this website as well. So, why not have a look? I'm sure you'll find something for you. Best wishes.

Dec 2, More Christmas Carols Mp3 files to download on your iPod (and more Christmas music), with downloadable sheet music, for 2 violas, viola and other instruments

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:10:51 GMT

Christmas Carols Mp3 files, for viola and other instruments, with downloadable sheet music, for you to play during Christmas time

Nov 27, Music gift ideas for a musician or a music lover

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:53:53 GMT

Need an original, great idea for a music gift? Find here the perfect music gift ideas for a musician or a music lover

Nov 24, Romance for viola and orchestra, by Max Bruch

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:54:15 GMT

You'll love the Romance for viola and orchestra by Max Bruch, read about it here. Get your FREE viola and piano part

Oct 23, Halloween music. Famous scary classical music, MP3, MIDI, printable and printed sheet music, for viola and all instruments

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:45:04 GMT

Here you'll find Halloween music for your scary night party, play a quartet with invited ghosts, impress your friends and have a lot of fun!

Aug 27, Nino Rota: famous film music composer and the viola

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 20:35:26 GMT

Nino Rota wrote music for viola, did you know? Discover these great works, in addition to his famous film music

Aug 1, Brandenburg Concerto 6 and the viola

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:01:09 GMT

Read about Bach's Brandenburg Concerto 6 and the most unusual, unique group of instruments in all the Brandenburg Concertos. Free MIDI file.

Jul 24, Music posters, up to 30% OFF!

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 12:44:16 GMT

Ever thought of beautiful music posters for your home or somewher else? Now you can choose among all music posters and other posters and get a nice 20-30% discount with this special code. Keep reading to find out

Jul 24, Viola orchestral parts, new volumes added!

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 12:10:58 GMT

Finally, here you have the viola orchestral parts you need, for practice, auditions, rehearsals

Jul 18, Viola orchestral parts, 20% OFF!

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:23:20 GMT

Take advantage of this summer sale: all the viola orchestral parts you need, for practice, auditions, rehearsals. On CD ROM, so you only print those you need when you need them.

Jul 18, Orchestral jobs and orchestral auditions for viola (and other instruments)

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:16:55 GMT

Find here information on orchestral jobs and orchestral auditions for viola, where to find them, what to play, solos, concertos

Jun 16, Michael Kugel, virtuoso viola player

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:22:11 GMT

Read about one of the best viola players, virtuoso violist Michael Kugel and listen to him playing

May 22, Viola sheet music: what you can find and where to find it

Sun, 22 May 2011 13:10:53 GMT

Viola sheet music: some exclusive solo pieces, list of viola concertos, orchestral parts, viola, sonatas, free sheet music

Apr 24, The "Chord viola"

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:12:31 GMT

Here we start publishing also articles by website readers. The first one is about the "Chord viola". Find out what it is. If have a viola related article you wish to publish, get in touch.

Feb 28, "The King's speech" and music making

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:06:32 GMT

I've seen The King's speech! Nothing special abut this, maybe you too have seen it, like a lot of other people. I enjoyed it so much that I went to see it four times! (really unusual for me). What I loved is how they depict the personal story of a powerful man who, despite all his power, cannot express himself because he is trapped by physical blockages and fears. It was very interesting to see how the speech therapist works on the physical, mental and social aspects of the king's problems and fears. He introduces movement to create a "flow" for the words, exercises for control and coordination. In the king I saw the average classical music violin and viola performer, in situations where he is exposed to other people's judgement, facing the threatening audience, with the musical power trapped by physical tensions and stage fright, with insecurities about his ability to perform certain passages, fears of always having to be good, never being allowed to make mistakes, always very serious about the whole matter. The king is allowed, even urged to say things one is "not supposed to say", the therapist makes the situation, their relationship, not so serious, letting the king do things he was "not supposed to do", going back the king's fears since he was a child. Eventually the king regains his confidence and is able to speak with ease and express himself (and is happier). This is very similar to Kato Havas's New Approach: eliminating physical tensions, creating a continuous flow through the rhythmic pulse, enjoying playing, without focusing on the mistakes, not being serious about it. With the New Approach, it's possible to regain one's musical speech, play with more ease and really enjoy playing even a solo. Whether you have already done it or not, I recommend you to watch the short videos of the New Approach workshop and the film "The King's speech". Then, if you want go further, you can read the books "Stage fright" and "A New Approach" and watch the teaching DVD. I wish you to enjoy both the videos and the film (also there is very good music in it). Best wishes Monica

Feb 13, Valentine music. Famous romantic classical music, Mp3, MIDI and printable sheet music to download, for viola and all instruments

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 19:40:09 GMT

Here you'll find Valentine music for your romantic night party, to impress your partner!

Feb 3, Buy Viola music: BARGAINS: HALF PRICE, as low as £0.80 viola sheet music

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 03:30:10 GMT

Buy viola music, sheet music at bargain prices for a short time. For yourself or as a music gift

Jan 24, Free classical music MIDI download and Mp3 files, viola and all instruments

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:51:53 GMT

You'll find free classical music MIDI download, and Mp3 files of some of the works for or with viola (and other instruments), or with interesting viola parts

Jan 22, Viola strings

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 23:45:10 GMT

Viola strings, what is best? Gut, metal or synthetic? Read here differences, pro and cons, tips

Jan 22, Valentine sheet music. Famous romantic classical music, printed sheet music, for viola and all instruments

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 11:25:59 GMT

Here you'll find Valentine sheet music for your romantic night party, gig, to impress your love!

Jan 18, Trauermusik for viola and string orchestra, a short viola work for a special occasion

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 01:33:14 GMT

Trauermusik is a short, moving work for viola and string orchestra by Paul Hindemith, written in six hours for a King. Listen to its performance, and discover more

Dec 17, Viola store

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:56:52 GMT

Here's your viola store: find your favourite viola music, book, CD, DVD, accessories, gifts ideas for musicians and music lovers, all in one place

Dec 14, Viola concerts around the world

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:45:56 GMT

Find here some viola concerts around the world, to hear beautiful viola music live. Add your own concert too!

Dec 11, Read about Kato Havas and New Approach on the causes and cures of physical injuries in VIOLA (and violin) playing

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 01:01:19 GMT

Kato Havas is a very special teacher. From her you can learn not only how to prevent and eliminate physical injuries and stage fright, but to really learn how to use music to communicate

Nov 21, 20% off Music Minus One for viola (actually, without it...)

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:43:22 GMT

20% off! Music Minus One is a great way to practice your concertos and chamber music pieces. Find works for viola without it!

Nov 16, Christmas sheet music for viola with other instruments

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:08:49 GMT

Find here all Christmas sheet music you need, many collections to play solo, as a duo, trio, quartet, orchestra, play-along CD, viola sheet music popular songs.

Nov 16, Christmas Carols free MIDI files, for all instruments, with sheet music

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:04:57 GMT

Here you can find a lot of Christmas Carols free MIDI files to download for viola with piano, violin, cello, string trio, quartet etc., with sheet music to download

Nov 10, Differences between Violin and Viola

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:59:19 GMT

Find out what are all those little things that make all the differences between violin and viola tone and character, hear it

Nov 1, Recordings, which ones are the best?

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:20:43 GMT

Read about recordings, how are they made, how this affects quality and live performances

Oct 23, How to play the viola: videos, tips

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 16:08:06 GMT

Whether you want to learn how to play the viola switching from violin or not, read here how to have a nice tone from the beginning, make it easier, have less stress, more fun! (it applies to little brother violin, too) Save yourself months of horrible sounds, years of stress, phisical injuries, dull playing. Enjoy it!

Oct 19, Biography of Hector Berlioz, his music and the viola

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:21:33 GMT

From the biography of Hector Berlioz, find out what he thought of the viola, the music he wrote and played

Oct 14, Music Publishers and music for viola

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:20:13 GMT

Music Publishers, read here the difference beteween them and the music for viola tyhey publish. A bit of history and curious facts

Oct 14, Schirmer Editions and works for viola

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:16:31 GMT

Schirmer Editions: short history of this important American music publisher and works for viola

Oct 14, Baerenreiter Editions and music for viola

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:11:28 GMT

Baerenreiter Editions: short history of this important German music publisher and their works for viola

Sep 23, Viola fingering

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:36:09 GMT

Learn about the viola fingering, to make a great tone. Another difference between violin and viola

Sep 19, Antonin Dvorak, his music and the viola

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 18:02:03 GMT

From the biography of Antonin Dvorak, find out what he thought of the viola, the music he wrote and played

Sep 16, Nicolò Paganini, his music and the viola

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:02:50 GMT

From the biography of Nicolo Paganini, find out what he thought of the viola, the music he wrote and played, listen to it

Sep 15, Brandenburg Concerto 3 and the viola

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:29:24 GMT

Read about Bach's Brandenburg Concerto 3 and its unusual group of instruments. Download FREE sheet music, MP3, MIDI file. Listen to it and play it.

Sep 15, Stamitz Viola concerto

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:05:11 GMT

Read and listen to Carl Stamitz viola concerto, a lovely piece, one of the best known concertos for viola. Listen to the whole work. Sheet music, CDs & more

Sep 13, Music publishers: which one is best?

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:46:39 GMT

There are so many music publishers that one often wonders which one is the best one, how to choose among them? Well, I don't think there is a "number one", they are all different, with their own tradition and specialisation, which one to choose depends on what you are looking for.

An example of this is the American publisher Schirmer. The history of music in the United States is closely connected to that of Schirmer. Founded in 1866 (from a previously existing publisher), they have the merit of having introduced the music of the great European masters to America, at a time when American music included mainly hymns and folk tunes. Soon they started to encourage and publish the works of American contemporary composers.

Also musical education was very important to Schirmer and they persuaded notable composers to write operatic works for school and community performance. The list of American and other contemporary composers whose works are now published by Schirmer include Elliott Carter, Henry Cowell, Roy Harris, Charles Ives, Walter Piston, William Schuman, Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, Morton Gould, Gian Carlo Menotti, to name but a few.

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Schirmer editions for viola include works by J. S. Bach, Franz Schubert, Henri Vieuxtemps, Ernest Bloch, Dmitri Shostakovich, Aram Khachaturian, Sofia Gubaidulina and many more composers, collections of solos for viola and piano of various genres and difficulty, as well as scales and studies books.

Another interesting characteristic of Schirmer editions is the series "The Great Performer's edition". These are works edited and sometimes arranged by great performers such as the violinists Nathan Milstein, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Ruggiero Ricci, the cellist Janos Starker, the flute player James Galway, the french horn player Barry Tuckwell, the pianist Arthur Rubinstein and (of interest to us) the violist William Primrose. In these editions, one can see fingerings, perfomance suggestions and even ornamentation by these great players.

Although someone may find these editions a bit dated, I find them very useful for the reason mentioned. For viola, Primrose edited works like Brahms 1st sonata, Bach Suites, Telemann and Stamitz concertos, a collection of his own transcription of virtuoso pieces, "The Virtuoso Violist" and, my favourite one, the Aria (Cantilena) by Heitor Villa-Lobos, from Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5, arranged for viola and piano by William Primrose, from the original version for eight cellos. You can listen to a sample of this charming work, click on the picture on the right side. Now you can have your Schirmer editions and enjoy beautiful viola music at a 20% discount, until 29 September, hurry up!

Aug 30, The Best Viola Books

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:21:58 GMT

If you want to know the viola, this beautiful instrument, here are the best viola books, about viola history, viola repertoire, viola playing, viola players biographies and some viola related books.

Aug 4, Free ecards with music, brand new page! Come visit and send greetings to your friends

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:06:53 GMT

Send your friends free ecards with music, that have to do with the gorgeous viola, so something really special!

Aug 4, Subscribe to Viola News! and get a wonderful FREE recording

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:16:40 GMT

Subscribe to Viola News to receive your gift and exclusive articles and offers

Aug 3, Eyeglasses duo for viola and cello, by Beethoven

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:55:09 GMT

Read the story of the funny name of the eyeglasses duo by Beethoven for viola and cello. Listen toit, download free MIDI file and more

Aug 2, Maxim Vengerov and the viola

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:52:58 GMT

Read about the world famous violin player Maxim Vengerov and his new love: the viola

Jul 31, Viola and Clarinet Concerto and other viola compositions by Bruch

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:32:27 GMT

Read about this unusual composition: Bruch's viola and clarinet concerto, listen to it while you read