violists
Midrange string musicians
Violists are musicians who play the viola, the mid-range string instrument slightly larger than a violin.
The viola occupies the alto voice in string ensembles, sitting between violin and cello.
The violists in the quartet struggled to be heard over the violins.
Violists are sometimes the butt of orchestra jokes about their instrument's unglamorous middle status.
Oscillating pitch effect
- pizzicatoString-plucking technique
- legatoUnbroken musical phrasing
- staccatoShort, separated note style
- bowingBending forward in deference
shifting · intonation · phrasing · dynamics · sight-reading · arco · spiccato · tremolo
Solo musical performance
- concertoSolo-and-orchestra composition
- soloistUnaccompanied performer
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- sonataMulti-movement instrumental composition
rehearsal · concert · accompanist · repertoire · primrose
Respectful forward inclination
- rosinSolidified conifer sap
- stringsThin flexible lines
- bridgeStructure spanning an obstacle
- fingerboardString instrument's pitch surface
soundpost · tailpiece · pegbox · scroll · chinrest · purfling · varnish · gut
Ensemble of four
- quintetGroup of five
- chamberEnclosed room or cavity
- orchestraLarge instrumental ensemble
- sectionDistinct divided part
principal · tutti · collaboration · trio · sextet · octet · sinfonietta
One who directs musicians
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
- philharmonicLarge orchestra organization
- scoreNumerical standing in competition
- batonSlender rod for leading
podium · maestro · sectional · tutti · crescendo · fortissimo · pianissimo · adagio
vibrato
Oscillating pitch effect
- pizzicatoString-plucking technique
- legatoUnbroken musical phrasing
- staccatoShort, separated note style
bowing · shifting · intonation · phrasing · dynamics · sight-reading · arco · spiccato · tremolo · harmonics
recital
Solo musical performance
- concertoSolo-and-orchestra composition
- soloistUnaccompanied performer
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
sonata · rehearsal · concert · accompanist · repertoire · primrose
bow
Respectful forward inclination
fingerboard · soundpost · tailpiece · pegbox · scroll · chinrest · purfling · varnish · gut · catgut
quartet
Ensemble of four
section · principal · tutti · collaboration · trio · sextet · octet · sinfonietta
conductor
One who directs musicians
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
- philharmonicLarge orchestra organization
- scoreNumerical standing in competition
baton · podium · maestro · sectional · tutti · crescendo · fortissimo · pianissimo · adagio · allegro
violistsviolinists
Players of bowed strings
concertmasters · cellists · bassists · soloists · fiddlers
violistssoloists
Featured individual musicians
concertmasters · virtuosos · prima donnas · divas · frontmen