Viola Vs Cello

I understand that usually viola provides harmony in the orchestra. But couldn't cello do that since it has a wide pitch range - it could play bass plus go on a slightly higher pitch and provide balance for violin as well. So what's exactly the use of viola? Is it indispensable?

For the same reason any other two instruments are used that have a shared range...they don't sound the same in different registers, or as a whole...

:lol:

That's actually not far off the truth at least until the mid-19th century. Some of the great composers prior to that, though, enjoyed playing it (Mozart, Beethoven, maybe Bach?).

But seriously, dscid is right. It's a question of timbre and register. For example, if you played the same melody on the A string of a violin or the A string of a viola, the version on the viola would sound more "intense."

Violas are there for the people not good enough to play anything else. It's like the learning disabilities section of the orchestra, affirmative action and such.

I'm slightly offended by this statement. First of all, it implies that the viola is the easiest instrument to play in the orchestra, which is decidedly not true. It is true that in the past, the viola was considered a second class instrument, mostly played by bad violinists. (Of course, they were even worse at playing the viola.) Indeed, the parts written for the viola mostly harmony parts with little interest. Later on, however, composers started to recognize the viola's unique sound and started to give it more to do in the orchestra. Composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Dvorak started to change the viola's role in the ensemble. (Beethoven and Dvorak were themselves viola players.) Since then, the viola has gained new prominence both in orchestra music and as a solo instrument. There are many important parts for viola nowadays. There are also some very amazing viola players and sections around the world. Now, people play the viola because they love the sound and are passionate about it. I'm sorry, but this kind of thinking is just outdated.

As for it's role in orchestra, it is usually the tenor voice of the orchestra with violins as soprano and alto and cellos and basses the bass voice. It's often used as a middle voice to tie all the harmonies together. However, don't be afraid to give it the melody every once in awhile. (see Beethoven symphony no. 5 andante con moto) I think you'll find the viola has a unique and versatile sound: more rich and dark than violins. I also suggest you study how it's used by some of the composers I mentioned earlier. You may be surprised. I think the viola is an indispensable part of the orchestra. (at least I wouldn't want to be without it)

I'm slightly offended by this statement.

He wasn't serious. :P

He wasn't serious. :P

If there's anything I know of Chris, it's that he's serious all the time. ALLLL the time.

All-time YC ban leader :P ...

I'm slightly offended by this statement. First of all, it implies that the viola is the easiest instrument to play in the orchestra, which is decidedly not true. It is true that in the past, the viola was considered a second class instrument, mostly played by bad violinists. (Of course, they were even worse at playing the viola.) Indeed, the parts written for the viola mostly harmony parts with little interest. Later on, however, composers started to recognize the viola's unique sound and started to give it more to do in the orchestra. Composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Dvorak started to change the viola's role in the ensemble. (Beethoven and Dvorak were themselves viola players.) Since then, the viola has gained new prominence both in orchestra music and as a solo instrument. There are many important parts for viola nowadays. There are also some very amazing viola players and sections around the world. Now, people play the viola because they love the sound and are passionate about it. I'm sorry, but this kind of thinking is just outdated.

As for it's role in orchestra, it is usually the tenor voice of the orchestra with violins as soprano and alto and cellos and basses the bass voice. It's often used as a middle voice to tie all the harmonies together. However, don't be afraid to give it the melody every once in awhile. (see Beethoven symphony no. 5 andante con moto) I think you'll find the viola has a unique and versatile sound: more rich and dark than violins. I also suggest you study how it's used by some of the composers I mentioned earlier. You may be surprised. I think the viola is an indispensable part of the orchestra. (at least I wouldn't want to be without it)

You must be a viola player. Hurt your feelings?

You must be a viola player. Hurt your feelings?

...maybe <_<