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Viola or Cello?
I am looking to take up one of these 2 instruments. My goal is to play with an amateur orchestra. I have about 4 years before I will move to a city with a volunteer orchestra, so I feel confident that I can reach this level by that time. I do have lessons available to me locally. I like the look and the feel of a cello more. I like the repertoire for the viola more. Yes I know that is surprising, but I have had my fill of solos as an oboist and I do not enjoy playing the bass line at all (I've played trombone and baritone). I love playing harmonies and I love how the viola often plays this swift background sound when everyone else dies away. I like the sound of both. I love the lower register of the viola and the upper register of the cello. My issue is that the viola is uncomfortable and I had a REALLY hard time trying to make vibrato happen on it when I worked on it before. Cello is MUCH easier to at least get basic vibrato out of and way more comfortable. Cello is also much more expensive to get started on. I think I would enjoy either one and both have their drawbacks. I'm just looking for some input. Again, I am NOT trying to be a virtuoso here, so please no negativity. I have a little experience with strings and can read bass, tenor, alto and (to a lesser extent) treble clefs, so that doesn't really come into play here either.
5 Answers
- 1 year ago
Choose the cello. The viola isn't a real instrument. But all jokes aside, the cello is more of a pleasant-sounding orchestral string instrument. The viola, on the other hand. It may be somewhat similar to the violin by appearance, the instrument lacks representation in different music types like folk, jazz, hip hop and other genres. The cello can produce a deep voice of a low and strong C-string, a lot lower than the viola's, and a higher range of both alto and soprano notes. It's often used as a rhythmical and harmony instrument. Though, many orchestral pieces feature marvellous and virtuosic melody lines for the cello.
- Anonymous1 year ago
You might consider a mandola, tuned just like a viola but with frets and geared tuners which is a real advantage. Plus, you can play either in an orchestra or in a bluegrass band which is infinitely preferable to an orchestra. Just a friendly suggestion.
- TommymcLv 71 year ago
I always advise people to choose the instrument that speaks to them most. You seem to like both instruments equally, but find the viola to be uncomfortable. That's a good reason to choose cello.
The one strong argument for viola is that it might increase your chances of getting into the orchestra. Viola is the banjo of the violin family, and doesn't seem to get the respect it deserves. Lotsa viola jokes floating around. There are sometimes efforts to get violinists to take up viola to fill slots. Personally, I think viola is the best of both....bridging the gap between cello and violin. Maybe your teacher could help you hold it more comfortably.
- Anonymous1 year ago
I love the rich fat sound of the cello, although as you say, both instruments have their pluses and minuses.
For me, one of the cello's big pluses is that while it's an important part of any orchestra, you can play it solo for your own pleasure. (Just yesterday I had Yo-Yo Ma playing "Going Home" on a loop.)
Add to that the fact that you find viola literally uncomfortable and struggled to create vibrato, and the choice gets even clearer.
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