String orchestra - Viola 1/4 - Philipp Dangas

General information about the unison combinations viola/string orchestra

The same applies to the general conditions for a combination of the viola and the string orchestra as for the violin.

Combination partners „woodwind instruments“ viola/string orchestra

For the unison combination applies: that the sound of the strings becomes fuller and stronger. The sound of the woodwind becomes softer. The following applies to the octave and chord combination: the sound of the individual woodwind instrument comes into its own compared to the string group. The pitch, the voice leading and the dynamics are important.

Combination partners "brass instruments" viola/string orchestra

The sound effect that is achieved with the brass instruments in the unison combination is less good. Especially with the trumpets and trombones. The horns, on the other hand, can blend particularly well with the cellos. Good effects of the strings with the brass can be achieved if another unison is underlined by one or more woodwinds.

Other combination partners viola/string orchestra

Very good effects can be achieved with percussion and plucked instruments (e.g. timpani, snare drum, bass drum , harp or) when certain types of bowing are used.

In the context of „symphonic world music“

the sound combinations of all string instruments form the basis for generating the sound character. Especially the violas, and in combination with the woodwinds the cellos (primary importance), the brass (secondary importance) and the plucked instruments (tertiary importance). They can form the framework of the sound character of the orchestra.