It is so very gracious and generous of you to offer help to other musicians. So many musicians are jealous, competitive and territorial, because of the competition for positions in the orchestras. It is so refreshing especially to see a master freely offer help to others. I hope this is the wave of the future because the school system cuts have so negatively impacted music education, If pros don't help, there won't be a next generation. Thank you so much and your playing is so beautiful!
I'm 76 and learning violin, but looking forward to being accomplished enough to then get to my real goal which is playing Viola. I think Violas have the most beautiful sound of the strings. ciao.
Great masterclass - we are so lucky to be able to access this. There are some really useful tips about how to approach spiccato bowing with illustrations as examples - Thank you Paul Silverthorne!
@violinGeEkz The first day i found out about Vibrato i got it within a minute. I had already played relaxed, so it wasn't that hard. When i do Vibrato i don't really use my wrists, i focus more on moving my fingers in the one place.
Step 1: Acquire viola. Step 2: Legally change your surname to 'Clef'. Step 3: Have kid and name him 'Alto'. Step 4: When he is 12, give him the viola. Step 5: ??? Step 6: Profit. (Yes, I am aware that there is someone at the SCP Foundation called Alto Clef)
I had much trouble with vibrato when I was 12. Now, I'm 15 and I'm told my vibrato is the best in the area. I at first tried shaking my fingers but soon found out that that doesn't quite work. So, I learned that having a loose and fluent wrist helps form that basic sway needed to pull it off. Basically, keep a relaxed wrist and move your wrist in a vertical motion rather than a horizontal motion. I hope this tip helps as it helped me! :)
I have a question for Paul Silverthorne... I really liked his recommendations on Bach. Still, what does he recommend for playing for example Bach's compositions for viola da gamba in viola? I've been studying Sonata n.3 for viola da gamba, but I see several interpretations for that. Would like to read more about his opinion on that specific music. Also would like to hear from him if he has any special recommendation for playing adapted viola da gamba repertoire.
This is not a criticism at all, but this guy looks like he's torn between helping anonymous budding musicians and making "the man" a shit ton of money in some business scheme thought up by some freaking google team member. I love his humor and appreciate his input, which I have passed along to the viola player in my string quartet. And hey, if I read you right, I feel ya, bro!
UA-cam symphony orchestra? I had no idea such a thing existed until seeing this here video tonight. So just now I looked "UA-cam symphony orchestra" up in Wikipedia. Very interesting. Look it up.
If you are anything like me, as I too have had trouble with vibrato, there were three main reasons that affected mine. 1. Tightness, if you are not relaxed vibrato is impossible 2. Space. When looking at your left had, the crevice between your thumb and index finger should not come into contact with your fingerboard. 3. Know Your vibratos. I know it sounds unimportant but knowing when to use wrist as opposed to arm vib. and vice versa will assist you in working less thus making vib. easier
@Bratsche2000 I think he was just giving overall advice on playing it in an audition. It was mainly for choosing a tempo that works for the entire movement.
the open strings on a Viola are C G D A like a cello (but one octave higher), and the Violin's open strings are G D A E. Basically the Viola is lower in pitch.
The violin has a higher set of strings, being G, D, A, and E. The viola's lowest string is a fifth lower than the violin's, so its strings are C, G, D, and A. Also, the viola is slightly bigger with a more mellow sound. :)
If it's anything like violin, it wasn't too tough for me. It just takes a little bit of practice. What I did was start out moving your fingers left and right repeatedly, slowly. Then, speed it up a bit. Hopefully the LSO will respond as they are a whole lot better than I am. But, I thought I'd at least try!
I have a 16" , and even being 6 4 tall it is very big. It is so different from the tiny violin I started with, but the tone and volume is awesome. One can manage, but taking some breaks to avoid some back aches :)
What a wonderful and helpful video! Thank you very much! Though I am confused. He went into the minor section of the Stamitz viola concerto however the excerpt goes only to first section of the major...are to go on?
I myself is a Violinist, but I'm extremely interested in the Viola; why is their a competition between Violin and Viola? They're both beautiful instruments.
i dont play the viola,because i cannot get one and everyone thinks ill just quit on it.but how could anyone quit on something that sounds so beautiful?
I play the violin. I personally love the violin because I love the pitch. however, viola sounds really nice and deep, similar to cello which I like. I'm just wondering why there has to be competition between violin and viola. (please give me a real answer ) for example don't say "because viola is better" I want to know WHY viola is better.
The viola is a bit too small for its acoustic range. To be properly acoustically balanced, as its violin counterpart, it would need to be a 21" body, rendering it unplayable in the shoulder position, whereas the violin's perfect size is 14" and that is the standard full size violin. Since 21"is too big for human sized arms, luthiers have to compensate on size for tone. The typical violist uses a 16-16.5" viola, with 17" not being terribly unheard of. That said, with the smaller size, violists deal with this "harmonic imbalance" making the instrument rather tempermental when it comes to tone and intonation. A proper violists use this to bring character to the instrument and rather than thinking of it making the viola worse, it should be thought of as a unique challenge for the musician to move through.
Jaye Curry I don't think any instrument is better than any other. I love Viola because of the lower pitch. I love listening to violin but not personally play the instrument. I think it was the violinists in orchestras that started this thing against violists as violists are hidden away in the orshestra and given bit parts to play meanwhile violins are up front and shine. I am learning that there are many viola jokes out there. The general public does not know what a Viola is
Thats not a viola, he is a giant and has tucked a cello under his chin! Ha Ha Great playing one of the best you will find! I think the sound is awesome.
SassyGiraffe I started by learning the open strings like a violinist would. Then learn each finger one by one. One thing that helps me to play in treble clef is that when you are in third position, the treble clef note uses the same finger as that note in the alto clef would. Google images is honestly a great place for it too. Hope this helps!
Use "training wheels" by using tableture. "Tab" it out. Below each note write VERY small, the letter for the String your playing on (C G D or A) then under that letter, write the finger number ( O open, 1 first finger, 2 for second finger or a 3 for a first finger ) Above each note, write the proper note letter ( c d e f g a b with sharp, flat, natural) Notes above / Tab under
I got a question. I'm going to join orchestra soon for people who has no experience playing stringed instruments. The viola sounds lovely but I also want to play violin. Does the viola and violin have same notes? Please reply! :)
It is so very gracious and generous of you to offer help to other musicians. So many musicians are jealous, competitive and territorial, because of the competition for positions in the orchestras. It is so refreshing especially to see a master freely offer help to others. I hope this is the wave of the future because the school system cuts have so negatively impacted music education, If pros don't help, there won't be a next generation. Thank you so much and your playing is so beautiful!
What a beautiful sound of our family of violas!! :))
I would kill to have half the left hand control this man has.
Simply outstanding.
Take it slow, bro. The best benefit you could ever give yourself and your playing is the patience to know what you're doing :)
+Andy Holtz true you always have to start 🐌 then slowly get faster thats what my teacher said.
I'm 76 and learning violin, but looking forward to being accomplished enough to then get to my real goal which is playing Viola. I think Violas have the most beautiful sound of the strings. ciao.
AMEN!
True
Great masterclass - we are so lucky to be able to access this. There are some really useful tips about how to approach spiccato bowing with illustrations as examples - Thank you Paul Silverthorne!
I'm a saxophone player, not a string player, after watching this video, I really want to buy a viola and get lessons, simply fantastic!
Bet I’ll teach you if you can teach me sax
That tone makes me swoon. Such a well deserving fellow in possession of this incredible instrument!
You are indeed a sage for the viola. I'm subbing because I envy your teaching style and also your character.
This master clas is so funny. I love this guy. Great artist... so creative and open.
Helpful for my son's viola Bach solos. Thank you
Aaaa
Thank you very kindly! Appreciate being shown some of the finer aspects of playing the viola.
i'm in 8th grade, going on 9th grade and I love the viola so much!! VIOLAS FOREVA!! :D
I played viola for about 7 years but I haven't touched one in about 7 years either.
I miss its lovely sound.
many thanks to You Paul !
I PLAY VIOLA AND IM PROUD. I CANNOT VIBRATO, BUT I CAN PLAY INTO THE SKY, DEFENDER OF TIME, AND MUCH MORE. VIOLA IS LOUDER AND RICHER THAN VIOLIN.
I plat the viola and simply LOVE it!!
That is cello suite no 1 by j.s. Bach, one of my favorites personally
@violinGeEkz The first day i found out about Vibrato i got it within a minute. I had already played relaxed, so it wasn't that hard. When i do Vibrato i don't really use my wrists, i focus more on moving my fingers in the one place.
i play the viola, and i love every minute of it!
i like the viola the least of all stringed instruments, but now i think of it as a beautiful tone.
This isn't a competition between Violin and Viola.
They each have their place.
Beautiful old man with a viola
Step 1: Acquire viola.
Step 2: Legally change your surname to 'Clef'.
Step 3: Have kid and name him 'Alto'.
Step 4: When he is 12, give him the viola.
Step 5: ???
Step 6: Profit.
(Yes, I am aware that there is someone at the SCP Foundation called Alto Clef)
that's the first thing I thought of
I had much trouble with vibrato when I was 12. Now, I'm 15 and I'm told my vibrato is the best in the area. I at first tried shaking my fingers but soon found out that that doesn't quite work. So, I learned that having a loose and fluent wrist helps form that basic sway needed to pull it off. Basically, keep a relaxed wrist and move your wrist in a vertical motion rather than a horizontal motion.
I hope this tip helps as it helped me! :)
I was wondering why my staccato in the Mendelssohn was so rough :P
Thanks for the tips!
Wow omg i love viola players I play too but not so much most times I get bored of playing alone
I have been wanting to learn how to play violin or viola I am leaning more toward viola I love the sound this is really cool
Thank You Paul
That viola is huge is it bigger than an 17in?
Beautiful viola !
I have a question for Paul Silverthorne... I really liked his recommendations on Bach. Still, what does he recommend for playing for example Bach's compositions for viola da gamba in viola? I've been studying Sonata n.3 for viola da gamba, but I see several interpretations for that. Would like to read more about his opinion on that specific music. Also would like to hear from him if he has any special recommendation for playing adapted viola da gamba repertoire.
Amazing I wish i could play anything this good.
É até difícil fazer um comentário diante de tantos gênios,fica pois, meus cinceros parabéns aos talentosos!
That helped a lot! thanks for the advice!
You are a very good teacher!
This is not a criticism at all, but this guy looks like he's torn between helping anonymous budding musicians and making "the man" a shit ton of money in some business scheme thought up by some freaking google team member. I love his humor and appreciate his input, which I have passed along to the viola player in my string quartet. And hey, if I read you right, I feel ya, bro!
thanks so much for this interesting class!
UA-cam symphony orchestra? I had no idea such a thing existed until seeing this here video tonight. So just now I looked "UA-cam symphony orchestra" up in Wikipedia.
Very interesting. Look it up.
If you are anything like me, as I too have had trouble with vibrato, there were three main reasons that affected mine.
1. Tightness, if you are not relaxed vibrato is impossible
2. Space. When looking at your left had, the crevice between your thumb and index finger should not come into contact with your fingerboard.
3. Know Your vibratos. I know it sounds unimportant but knowing when to use wrist as opposed to arm vib. and vice versa will assist you in working less thus making vib. easier
-_- the fact that he has a British accent makes this even cooler than it is.
The far space behind you on our right. I would love to play flute right there for a long time
He is really a MAESTRO.
@Bratsche2000 I think he was just giving overall advice on playing it in an audition. It was mainly for choosing a tempo that works for the entire movement.
i really miss being in an orchestra. i wish i had someone to keep teaching me...
i love the rich sound of violas :D!
the open strings on a Viola are C G D A like a cello (but one octave higher), and the Violin's open strings are G D A E. Basically the Viola is lower in pitch.
Your name is soooooooo medieval
I love it
That's right, no competition... viola wins hands down. None is richer an instrument held on the shoulder!
You are wonderful! :)
The violin has a higher set of strings, being G, D, A, and E. The viola's lowest string is a fifth lower than the violin's, so its strings are C, G, D, and A. Also, the viola is slightly bigger with a more mellow sound. :)
It seems like you truly are a master i am a violist myself and have trouble with vibrato. Do you have any tips?
VIOLAS ARE AWESOME!
There better be another! I'm auditioning when there is!
... Thank you!
If it's anything like violin, it wasn't too tough for me. It just takes a little bit of practice. What I did was start out moving your fingers left and right repeatedly, slowly. Then, speed it up a bit. Hopefully the LSO will respond as they are a whole lot better than I am. But, I thought I'd at least try!
@Prickterow It is a 17 3/4 Brothers Amati
I have a 16" , and even being 6 4 tall it is very big. It is so different from the tiny violin I started with, but the tone and volume is awesome. One can manage, but taking some breaks to avoid some back aches :)
The way this guy holds his viola by the scroll makes me want to cry.
Johannes Gutenberg you mean by the pegs?
Black Knight No by literally just the volute.
so lovely!~~
i all sow play the viola :3
@sindy0812
Yourself. You're the best teacher for your own mind.
This dude is classy as hell! :D
Linda execução e viola!!
I agree with LZ181842 awesome sounding instrument, it was also Bach's favourite stringed instrument, probably due to the sonority of it's C string.
It has an awesome sound, very crisp, round and deep :)
99% sure it's the 1620 Amati - which is 17 and 3/4 inches, so yeah... bigger than normal
Wow. I - just... wow.
Love his viola. Would like to know who made it :)
i aim to play viola y whole life im 13 and i love it. im the the best in my age group in the city.
What a wonderful and helpful video! Thank you very much! Though I am confused. He went into the minor section of the Stamitz viola concerto however the excerpt goes only to first section of the major...are to go on?
that violin is huge!!!
I hope someday I can be as good as him!
I love playing my viola...
I can't even play my violin without lifting up fingers to place the other one, I switched to viola, I'm so happy now! :D
As long as you keep a good posture, you'll be fine no matter what instrument you play.
@20PhantomRegiment09 I wouldn't call it heartless. I think the violin has very shrill tones that can touch the heart if played correctly
I myself is a Violinist, but I'm extremely interested in the Viola; why is their a competition between Violin and Viola? They're both beautiful instruments.
Just teasing each other but thats all... haha no competition at all
viola is actually a "piccolo cello", that's why it can play Bach's Cello Suites!
@Aurelius27x Well, viols are put on the thigh, but they are barely played anymore. They are similar to violas in the size.
i dont play the viola,because i cannot get one and everyone thinks ill just quit on it.but how could anyone quit on something that sounds so beautiful?
@theredferret05 Because viola is the best instrument EVER.
my homework is to write this all down lol
@CrazyLazySnazzyJazzy Wow, never heard of those before. Neat.
Master, please, make a video of vibrato basics :D
I play the violin. I personally love the violin because I love the pitch. however, viola sounds really nice and deep, similar to cello which I like. I'm just wondering why there has to be competition between violin and viola. (please give me a real answer ) for example don't say "because viola is better" I want to know WHY viola is better.
+Cole Hansen thank u for answering my question.
Google: "Wikipedia viola jokes"
it sounds yummy. Gerald the viola has a sound I could eat.
The viola is a bit too small for its acoustic range. To be properly acoustically balanced, as its violin counterpart, it would need to be a 21" body, rendering it unplayable in the shoulder position, whereas the violin's perfect size is 14" and that is the standard full size violin. Since 21"is too big for human sized arms, luthiers have to compensate on size for tone. The typical violist uses a 16-16.5" viola, with 17" not being terribly unheard of. That said, with the smaller size, violists deal with this "harmonic imbalance" making the instrument rather tempermental when it comes to tone and intonation. A proper violists use this to bring character to the instrument and rather than thinking of it making the viola worse, it should be thought of as a unique challenge for the musician to move through.
Jaye Curry I don't think any instrument is better than any other. I love Viola because of the lower pitch. I love listening to violin but not personally play the instrument. I think it was the violinists in orchestras that started this thing against violists as violists are hidden away in the orshestra and given bit parts to play meanwhile violins are up front and shine. I am learning that there are many viola jokes out there. The general public does not know what a Viola is
@lolitaeviston I'm sure he appreciates your backhanded compliment.
I wish i had a teacher like him v.v
Thats not a viola, he is a giant and has tucked a cello under his chin! Ha Ha
Great playing one of the best you will find! I think the sound is awesome.
Muito bom eu não conheço nenhum desses métodos somente o laurex kkkk
I hear playing -17 inch viola could hurt your back and make other health issue? I'm still figuring out what size of viola should i seu...
@sindy0812 Me too... I wish I didn't have to stop playing when I moved in 7th grade... :(
wow lol my brain just exploded....
02:58 and the next seconds...
Gold.
Yeah we got a BADASS over hee
Den som har tekstet på norsk har misforstått hvilket instrument han spiller på. Det er en BRATSJ (viola) og ikke en fiolin.
PLZ HELP how do i play treble clef on a viola
SassyGiraffe I started by learning the open strings like a violinist would. Then learn each finger one by one. One thing that helps me to play in treble clef is that when you are in third position, the treble clef note uses the same finger as that note in the alto clef would. Google images is honestly a great place for it too. Hope this helps!
Use "training wheels" by using tableture. "Tab" it out. Below each note write VERY small, the letter for the String your playing on (C G D or A) then under that letter, write the finger number ( O open, 1 first finger, 2 for second finger or a 3 for a first finger )
Above each note, write the proper note letter ( c d e f g a b with sharp, flat, natural)
Notes above / Tab under
LOOOL Chinese Viola with Stradivarius in the label. Yep, I have that. :D
thnks for asking , and i am waiting for an answer . Please
it comes naturally
A-W-E-S-O-M-E
I got a question. I'm going to join orchestra soon for people who has no experience playing stringed instruments. The viola sounds lovely but I also want to play violin. Does the viola and violin have same notes? Please reply! :)
And Viola's at the top
That's a bigass viola.
@carvindc400 actually, 16 1/2