Special Stories about Viola

When you search for ‘viola’ online, you’ll find many beautiful images of the flower.

You will also get the search result for the Wikipedia article about the musical instrument, viola.

This article is about viola, the musical instrument. I’m sorry for those who arrived here looking for something about the plant.

Violin (left) and Viola (right)

When it comes to talking about the viola, you will hear:

“It’s slightly larger than a violin”
“It’s a supporting instrument”
“Few people play it”
“Violinists often switch to viola upon request”

These are what I’ve been hearing over and over again.

You might actually want to enjoy the sound of the viola...
Then Wikipedia and Google can provide you with information on classical masterpieces where viola is featured.

However, in this post, I’m going to introduce a few delightful pieces featuring the viola that you probably won’t find elsewhere.

Special Story about Viola #1

■ Cream - “White Room”

If you hear this title and think, “Whaaat!?” then you must be a Clapton fan.
The Budokan concert in April was fantastic, wasn’t it?
Both Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker have passed away.
Recently, Jeff Beck also passed away, making Eric Clapton likely the only one of the three great guitarists we can still see live.

Cream was active for only two years during Clapton’s long career.
In those two years, the band left a lasting impression with several masterpieces, among which “White Room” stands out with its unique structure, featuring a lead guitar drenched in wah pedal throughout.
A mediocre guitarist would be shot down immediately by a director for attempting this, but Clapton, being the god he is, pulled it off.
The exceptional ensemble with Jack Bruce’s bass and Ginger Baker’s drums certainly helped, but Clapton’s ability to play such an endlessly listenable guitar left us in awe.

And what about the viola?

Cream is known as a trio, but we mustn’t forget about Felix Pappalardi.

As a producer, Pappalardi had a significant impact on the recording and overall concept of the music, and he was also a viola player.

The iconic intro of “White Room” features the sound of a viola.
I discovered this from a commercially available sheet music that had the viola part.
While it’s hard to clearly pick out the viola’s sound even when listening closely, the unique voicing of the intro is likely due to its inclusion.

So, everyone, dig out your copy of Wheels of Fire and listen carefully.

By the way, Jack Bruce, the bassist, originally played the cello.
He and Pappalardi likely shared many conversations, given their deep connection to string instruments. It’s interesting to note that both the bassist and producer of this legendary band had a strong background in strings.

For those who have always been intrigued by the intro of Cream’s “White Room”...
You might finally be freed from the frustration of not being able to recreate that intro even with top-notch DAW software like Pro Tools or Steinberg, expensive software instruments, compressors, and mixers.
The psychedelic world of the “White Room” intro is now within your grasp.

Now, you’re probably thinking you want a viola but worried about the cost?
There’s no need to hesitate with these violas at such unbeatable prices. You can buy one right now!

PLAYTECH / PVA260 (16.0 inch) Viola Kit

PLAYTECH / PVA255 (15.5 inch) Viola Kit

Special Story about Viola #2

■ The Durutti Column “Without Mercy”

The Durutti Column is essentially a duo consisting of guitarist Vini Reilley and percussionist Bruce Mitchell.
They emerged during the heyday of post-punk and new wave in the 1980s, offering remarkably serene music.
“Without Mercy” is a long piece, but it features trumpet and viola throughout its entirety, along with percussion, guitar, and electric piano, creating a beautifully understated and continuous sound.

If “White Room” has ignited your interest, this piece will surely make you a fan of the viola.
The restrained composition and the melancholic melodies played by this instrument will captivate you.
While you can search for classical viola masterpieces on Wikipedia, take the time to fully immerse yourself in the deeply moving world of The Durutti Column.

It almost feels like the viola has been waiting for you, doesn’t it?
This instrument will undoubtedly become a long-standing member of your musical journey.

PLAYTECH / PVA360 (16.0 inch) Viola Kit

PLAYTECH / PVA355 (15.5 inch) Viola Kit

Special Story about Viola #3

■ Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Penguin Cafe Orchestra was a musical ensemble active from the 1970s to the 1980s.
Centered around Simon Jeffes, they occupied a uniquely avant-garde yet delicate position.
Their music was difficult to classify as either classical or popular, yet it had a pleasant, stylish sound that captivated a generation.
Within their compact arrangements, the viola’s sound may not stand out prominently but significantly contributes to the overall resonance of the music.

The viola plays a role in the midrange.
Since the introduction of the scooped sound in the 1980s audio world, the midrange has often been overlooked (perhaps too exaggerated?), but now listen closely to this range.
Take a moment now to enjoy this refined music with a speaker system or headphones that provide clarity and neutrality.

After experiencing these three pieces, you may already find your finger hovering over the order button for a viola on Sound House’s website.
With our swift delivery, your viola could arrive as soon as today, already inspected and ready to produce your viola music within 60 seconds of opening it.

Welcome to the world of viola.
Enjoy a delightful musical journey with your viola.