If you are just starting out with orchestra, the first choice you have to make is choosing an instrument. There are four main stringed instruments that make up an orchestra. Which instrument is right for you? In this post, we’ll go over some of the reasons for choosing a violin, viola, cello, or double bass.
Violin
The violin is the most popular stringed instrument because of its expressive and beautiful "soprano" sound. It also normally carries the melody because of its higher range. The violin is versatile as well in that it can carry the melody and can provide supporting harmony. For those who enjoy a challenge, the violin is a good choice because the most technically difficult music pieces are often written for violin. Also, the violin has the greatest number of musical pieces written for it specifically.
Watch the video below to hear violinist Hilary Hahn play Bach's Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor.
Image from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Violin-Viola.jpg
Viola
The viola is slightly larger than a violin. It has a range about 3.5 octaves and is musically in between the violin and cello. Violas normally perform as the bridge between the higher notes provided by the violins and the lower notes provided by the cellos. Since violas are larger, they have a deeper sound than a violin. But, they are just as portable as violins. The viola is also a good instrument choice if you are not necessarily interested in being in the spotlight, but want to enhance the overall orchestral sound. Finally there is often a shortage of violas in orchestras, so there is usually space for more violas.
Watch the video below to hear a piece written by Bach for the organ, but arranged to be performed with a viola. You can hear the range of sound produced by a viola.
Cello
The cello has a really warm and rich sound. It normally provides the harmony in orchestral pieces, but is also capable of playing melodies. In fact, cellos are excellent solo instruments. The range of the cello is about four octaves (similar to the violin and bass), but includes higher soprano pitches and lower bass pitches.
Watch the video below to hear one of the most famous solo pieces written for the cello by Bach: Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major.
Double Bass
The double bass has a low and powerful sound which some people really enjoy. It is a versatile instrument because it is used in a number of musical genres including classical, jazz, blues, and country. The bass plays the lowest notes and usually provides the rhythmic and harmonic foundation for an orchestra. It also helps the rest of the orchestra maintain the correct tempo through a piece of music.
Watch the video below to hear an arrangement for Pachelbel's Canon in D for two double basses. You can hear the sound of the bass when bowed and when plucked.
In addition to considering the information above, remember that choosing an instrumental is highly dependent on your personal tastes. Some people might prefer the clear expressive voice of a violin while others prefer the rich and warm tone of a cello. So choose an instrument that you think you would enjoy playing. Which one sounds the best to you? Try listening to several classical and contemporary pieces that feature each of the instruments to help you decide.
