Viola Joke-of-the-Day

[violachic]

Q: What's the definiton of "perfect pitch?"

A: Throwing a viola into a dumpster without hitting the rim.

Q: Why do violists stand for long periods outside people's houses?
A: They can't find the key and they don't know when to come in.

Q: What's the difference between a seamstress and a violist?
A: The seamstress tucks up the frills.

Q: What's the difference between a washing machine and a violist?
A: Vibrato.

Q: Why do so many people take an instant dislike to the viola?
A: It saves time.

Comments

A serious Viola question

[name-omitted.livejournal.com]

How is a viola tuned viss ve a violin? Specifically, how well does the viola play in the "people's key" of G?

Re: A serious Viola question

[violachic.livejournal.com]

They're tuned very similarly- a violin is tuned in 5ths, with the strings (from highest to lowest) being E, A, D, G- the bottom G being the G right below middle C. The viola is tuned exactly one-fifth lower, with its strings being A, D, G, C- the bottom C being one octave below middle C. The key of G is a very simple key for the viola, so it plays quite well in that key. In fact, most moderately competent violists can play pretty well up to four sharps and four flats. After that it can get a little hairly.

Re: A serious Viola question

[name-omitted.livejournal.com]

Thanks

Re: A serious Viola question

[violachic.livejournal.com]

Hey- I gotta be good for something, right? :-D