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🎼 Sheet Music available now on Universal Edition: 👉 Get the sheet music for Violamania https://www.universaledition.com/viol... The viola is a beautiful instrument. In spite of all the viola jokes. Or perhaps even because of them. When played well, the viola offers a sound that surprises and delights — rich, warm, and expressive. With a range almost as high as the violin, and the mellow power of the C string below, it takes on the noble role of the tenor in the string family. Just like tenors in opera — often the target of humour, yet always in high demand — the viola stands in its own unique spotlight. 🕰️ Did you know? The viola actually came before the violin or cello. No, not the chicken. Not the egg. But the viola. In fact, early string instruments were all types of violas: viola d’amore, viola da gamba, and viola da braccio — the latter later evolving into both the violin and the modern viola (Bratsche in German). And no, “Bratsche” is not named after what happens when you sit on one. 🎵 About the music Violamania is a personal project. Each piece is dedicated to a friend of mine — all of them wonderful violists. Some also play the violin, but the viola remains their true voice. You’ll find a range of styles in this playlist: Melodic and lyrical works Virtuosic, high-energy finales (like the one Antoine Tamestit performed at the close of his solo recital) Playful satire like Brexit Polka, inspired by Lawrence Power — weaving together quotes from all the EU national anthems, interrupted by the UK anthem as a musical metaphor. 🎨 The cover art for Violamania was created by the extraordinary Annamaria Kowalsky — a painter, photographer, composer, and violist. Her words on Facebook stayed with me: “I am still a musician. I am just using my full potential.” A sentiment I deeply share. 🔔 Subscribe for more music, stories & behind-the-scenes insight: www.youtube.com/@igudesman 🎧 Listen to the full playlist and join the Violamania — where viola gets the love it deserves. #Violamania #AlekseyIgudesman #ViolaMusic #ContemporaryClassical #AntoineTamestit #LawrencePower #ModernViola #StringInstruments #ViolaSheetMusic #UniversalEdition #ViolaLove #Bratsche #ViolaJokes #BrexitPolka