cdautel Wrote:The viola isn't too hard--I would say it is easier to pick up (except it's bigger and heavier! ) than the violin in that it takes a few less years to make a good violist than a good violinist, and you usually don't need to go into the upper positions as often as in the violin (usually 1st, 2nd, and 3rd position are the most used viola positions, unless you are playing a concerto on the harder side). The viola uses alto clef most of the time, which if you play something in first position on the viola it is like playing third position on the violin (i.e. open "a" on the violin, which can also be a 2nd finger in 3rd position, is actually a "b", 2nd finger in 1st position on the viola). Hope that makes sense. In high positions, though, viola will use treble clef sometimes. The clef isn't too hard to learn--I have had to switch off instruments quite often and can go from treble clef on the violin to alto clef on the viola (or vice versa) usually without too much trouble. If you're interested, though, you should try viola--I love the tone of it, although my arm prefers violin!

cdautel Wrote:Actually I play three: violin, viola, and piano, although violin is my main instrument. What about you--do you play any instrument?

Ruddigore Wrote:Indeed I do. I've played piano since I was seven. I also enjoy singing and have even had the privilege to take private lessons recently, which I enjoy thoroughly.

What sort of music is your favorite to perform? I enjoy romantic period pieces quite a bit.

Also: You mentioned the tone quality of the viola. I assume then that you've heard Hector Berlioz's Harold in Italy, in which Berlioz makes wonderful use of the viola's tone. I love Berlioz's music.

cdautel Wrote:Actually, I can't say that I have heard the Berlioz piece that you mentioned, or I might have heard it and not known what it was. I'll have to find a recording of it!

Ruddigore Wrote:I've been learning a Scott Joplin rag recently that has been giving me unalloyed pleasure.

Farmerboy Wrote:My alltime favorite composer! I like classical music but there is something magical about playing a rag. Which one are you learning?

Ruddigore Wrote:Do! It's worth all the effort. I'm particularly fond of John Gardiner and the ORR's interpretation with Gerard Causse as the soloist.

I've been learning a Scott Joplin rag recently that has been giving me unalloyed pleasure.

rickyjo Wrote:I work on computers, and tinker, and research, and read.
I lecture friends about the evils of big government and alienate my fellow Christians with my libertarian-ish views of things.

Quote:Sometimes I just look up quotes by Mark Twain, Malcom X, or other big thinkers and ponder their genious.

Quote:My brother is physically disabled, and a disability is a disability whether it is mental or physical. There is a lot to overcome with special needs folks...