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This site contains jokes that may not be regarded as 'politically correct', they may use various stereotypes as part of the humour and some may be a little close to the mark, and quite a few may be in bad taste. However, no joke which I see as offensively racist, sexist or anything else-ist will appear. Similarly whilst some items may be slightly risqué, no item that I see as too explicit will appear. Any items that are on the borderline will have prominent warnings displayed either on the main link to the page or on the page itself. As a general rule of thumb, you may not be prepared to tell your grandmother all of the jokes, but you should be able to tell your mum.
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THE VIOLA probably has more jokes made about it than any other instrument, particularly in the Western classical music world. Yet it's a wonderful instrument that makes a unique and beautiful sound. It also plays an indispensable part in any ensemble (orchestral or chamber) in which it's involved.The viola is an instrument in the violin family. It is slightly larger than the violin with a deeper, mellower tone. It’s tuned a fifth lower (although it is hard to distinguish from a violin when played in an orchestra, unless it’s on the C string). It parallels the human alto voice. Both the violin and the viola evolved directly from the viola da braccio. Since the Italian word violino is a derivative of viola, historians and violists are led to believe that the viola may have actually appeared slightly before the violin. Many violists enjoy believing that they may be at the top of the violin family, at least historically (although nothing has ever been truly proven).In early orchestra music, the viola’s role was merely harmony. It often had the bass line when the composer couldn’t think of anything else to write. The melody was left to the brighter, higher violin and more powerful, distinct cello. Into the 20th century, the viola began to get a more prominent role, and is now sometimes featured as a solo instrument. During the summer of 2000, the Cleveland Orchestra held a concert where a violinist and a violist were each featured as soloists in a piece by Mozart.Violas were made as early as the 1500’s. Gaspara da Salo, who was a prominent cello maker, also was quite famous for his violas and his double basses. Originally, da Salo was given credit for making the instruments in the violin family. This was later proven untrue when earlier instruments and makers were found. In the early classic period (post-Bach), many composers felt the viola was a source of anxiety. It was written for because it was a prehistoric instrument and such writing seemed expected. These attitudes were documented by Forsyth. The instrument was regarded as clumsy to play, and uncomfortable to write for. The bass line (which, as mentioned earlier, was given to the violas if nothing else seemed suitable) often had awkward harmonies, being written in three different octaves.The eighteen and nineteen hundreds brought better parts for the viola, as composers started to recognize it more as an instrument in its own right, with different characteristics. Although this music didn’t come until this time, both Bach and Mozart were accomplished violists back in the 1700’s.
The viola always has and sometimes still does meet with adversity. Many people believe that violists are violinists who weren’t good enough to continue to play the violin. They also believe that viola has an inferior tone quality. In fact, violas have a very rich, deep tone, and, in the hands of a competent player is quite beautiful.In the 20th century the viola has acquired an impressive repertoire of solo pieces and concertos, many of which owe their existence to the trail-blazing British viola-player Lionel Tertis (1876 - 1975).
Violas can come in several sizes, and Lionel Tertis had an especially large one made for him so that he could make the sound on the instrument he wanted.
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