GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => Classical Music for Beginners => Topic started by: Diletante on February 15, 2009, 11:46:13 AM

Title: Shostakovich 5th Symphony 2nd movement
Post by: Diletante on February 15, 2009, 11:46:13 AM
Hello.

Unfortunately the score is not public domain so I can't look at it for free. I have a quick question.

In the first part of the movement (at 01:47 in the Haitink - Concertgebouw Orchestra version I'm listening to right now) a melody is played solo by a string instrument. The melody is then repeated by a flute.

Is that a violin or a viola?

Thanks.  :)

Title: Re: Shostakovich 5th Symphony 2nd movement
Post by: Herman on February 15, 2009, 11:52:20 AM
The tzigane solo is played by a violinist
Title: Re: Shostakovich 5th Symphony 2nd movement
Post by: Drasko on February 15, 2009, 12:00:42 PM
Yes, as Herman said, first violin usually.
Balding guy just left of the conductor in this video (at 1:43)

http://www.youtube.com/v/uCTsAxr7BlU
Title: Re: Shostakovich 5th Symphony 2nd movement
Post by: Diletante on February 15, 2009, 12:50:56 PM
Aw, shucks, I thought it was a viola. :( I have to get better at recognizing the sounds of instruments.

Thank you both very much for your help!
Title: Re: Shostakovich 5th Symphony 2nd movement
Post by: psylocke24 on April 01, 2011, 12:06:53 AM
Quote from: Diletante on February 15, 2009, 12:50:56 PM
Aw, shucks, I thought it was a viola. :( I have to get better at recognizing the sounds of instruments.

Thank you both very much for your help!

Same case here, I am also not familiar with the sound of instruments, I can't tell if it is violin just through listening to it.
Title: Re: Shostakovich 5th Symphony 2nd movement
Post by: jochanaan on April 01, 2011, 04:49:06 AM
Quote from: psylocke24 on April 01, 2011, 12:06:53 AM
Same case here, I am also not familiar with the sound of instruments, I can't tell if it is violin just through listening to it.
The violin has a brighter sound and usually plays higher notes than the viola, whose tone is darker and mellower.

For familiarizing oneself with instrumental sounds, I can think of no better aid than Benjamin Britten's Young Persons' Guide to the Orchestra (also known as Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Henry Purcell). 8)
Title: Oh, sure, jochanaan...
Post by: Palmetto on April 01, 2011, 05:54:03 AM
Provide that information to someone who asked two years ago, but not me???  Now my feelings are hurt!!!   :-[

Seriously, thanks for digging up this antique discussion.  This looks like a interesting reference to occupy the weekend.  You might want to add it to the sticky 'Good Resources for Beginners' discussion; or I can do it if you don't want the credit.
Title: Re: Oh, sure, jochanaan...
Post by: jochanaan on April 01, 2011, 02:47:31 PM
Quote from: Palmetto on April 01, 2011, 05:54:03 AM
Provide that information to someone who asked two years ago, but not me???  Now my feelings are hurt!!!   :-[
You only had to ask.  :)
Quote from: Palmetto on April 01, 2011, 05:54:03 AM
Seriously, thanks for digging up this antique discussion.  This looks like a interesting reference to occupy the weekend.  You might want to add it to the sticky 'Good Resources for Beginners' discussion; or I can do it if you don't want the credit.
Done. 8)