At last, Beethoven’s 5th played on viola solo

Rich Patina says:

Is there any way to un-hear this?

Gerry Feinsteen says:

Would our world of music be better off if he had, however, invested his time instead learning works by underrepresented composers?

One can’t help but admire his ambition. Viola, however, is an instrument that manages virtuosity in ways unlike a violin. This arrangement, as dramatic as it may be, doesn’t seem to suit the slower response of a typical viola timbre.
Perhaps on violin this arrangement might work.

I recently heard a Japanese composer’s arrangement of the Bach Chaconne for Four Violas Quartet. It was brilliant! It doesn’t take four violists to play one Chaconne, however, but it does sound voluminous this way.

My father performed with the violist Bill Primrose many times and said he had the ease of a great singer. Technique alone cannot accomplish that. I wonder: Would Maestro Primrose play this Beethoven?

CA says:

Some sloppy playing though. Despite its difficulty it should be cleanly executed. Not to mention intonation problems. He really should do a retake! And yes I’m a violist.

Stringplayer says:

Best article title ever

NYMike says:

LOL!!

YetAnotherViolaPlayer says:

Just because you (arguably) doesn’t mean you should…

vidsrc says:

Your dedication to providing valuable content to your readers does not go unnoticed.