Kim Kashkashian - Kurtag & Ligeti: Music for Viola
FAMOUS VIOLA PLAYERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Many people aren’t aware that the viola exists. When they see a string instrument with a bow, they always assume it is a violin. However, the violin and viola are two different instruments - from the size up to the sound it produces. And in fact, there are a lot of people who master the art of playing the viola. If you’re a bit curious about the viola, here are some of the most famous viola players you should know.
Viola
Paul Hindemith (1895-1963)
Paul Hindemith, a German composer who built his career in the 20th century, is perhaps the most famous composer and violist of all time. In the 1930s, he wrote the opera Mathis der Maler, which was inspired by the Renaissance painter Matthias Grünewald. One of his most popular works is the Symphonic Metamorphoses of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber, written in 1943. He was also given several recognitions such as an honorary doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in 1945 and from Columbia University in 1948.
Carl Stamitz (1745-1801)
Even before the legendary Mozart, Carl Stamitz demonstrated his passion and talent in music and played an iconic role as a viola player. Belonging to a musical family, Stamitz began learning how to play orchestral instruments and composing classical pieces. He played as a concert soloist in Hague. Even though his fame declined by 1790, he still played a significant role in classical music. Some of his best works are Viola Concerto No.1 in D major, Concerto No.2 in B major, and Viola Concerto D in Op.1.
William Primrose (1904-1982)
You may have already heard of the name William Primrose. He established his name in the classical music industry and was known to be one of the best at playing viola and all areas of repertory. Witnessing William Primrose’s performances will leave you feeling awestruck with his fantastic bow arm, vibrato, and double stops. After the London String Quartet disbanded in 1935, in which he was a member, Primrose began playing as a soloist, then decided to form the Primrose Quartet in 1939.
If you’re a bit curious about the viola, here are some of the most famous viola players you should know.
Kim Kashkashian
While we may think that only men build a name in relation to the viola, there are women who stand out as violists as well. One of them is Kim Kashkashian who received a Grammy award for Kurtag & Ligeti: Music for Viola in 2012. She started studying the viola at the Peabody Conservatory of Music together with Karen Tuttle and another legendary violist, Walter Trampler. She also had recordings with DGG, Sony, and ECM. Aside from being the artistic director and founder of Music for Food, she currently teaches at New England Conservatory of Music.
Tabea Zimmerman
Another German violist, Tabea Zimmerman began learning the viola at the age of three. She has performed with many major orchestras, such as the BBC Philharmonic and Gewandhausorchester Leipzig. In her recent interview by the Violin Channel, she shares that being a successful musician means being able to do projects that she likes to do, with people she likes to communicate with, and being able to play the pieces she wants to play.
Just like these famous viola players, being successful doesn’t mean you have to be applauded by many. These people work hard and passionately for themselves and for the people that believed in them. While dreaming of receiving a Grammy award is good, it is still better to pursue your passion even without recognition.
Note: Tritan Chan contributed to this article.
