The viola is considered the origin and center of string instruments, with the violin developing as a 'little viola' and the violone (double bass) as a 'big viola'.
Instruments
Valuable old violas are extremely rare, with only twelve Stradivari violas known to exist, and if one were on the market, it could cost between $10,000,000 and $15,000,000.
Recording & Production
This album is the third release in a series featuring top players of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Instruments
To be a viola player, one needs naturally big hands and physically three times more strength than a violinist, though physical training is unsuitable as it hardens the fingers.
Performer Biography
Heinrich Koll, the violist on this album, has been the principal violist with the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra since 1980.
Instruments
The modern viola's body length of 40 to 42 centimeters has remained unchanged for the last four hundred years, with only minor construction changes made in the early 19th century.
Performer Biography
Madoka Inui, the pianist, is a contract artist of Bösendorfer in Vienna and plays a Bösendorfer instrument on this recording.
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