“Strolling Violinists”
Not only can violinists “play” any style on their instrument, but they can play it in many different ways, too. For instance, violinists can sit and play (in a more sophisticated setting, such as an orchestra or chamber group, this would apply), they can stand up, walk around, dance…whatever they want. Strolling violinists, (walking around while playing), is a technique that is very hot these days and in high demand. When I do private gigs, more often lately than not, they request I walk around the venue and play. I’ll create another column specifically looking into the art of strolling violins…but once again, can this be done with a cello? How about a piano? (I have seen built in pianos on bikes…but that’s just cheesy). You technically could walk around and play a small wind instrument, but does anyone actually do that? Not really, because it isn’t natural. You never go out to eat and have a clarinet serenade you at your table. You can do that with a viola, but violas are bigger and annoying to hold. Plus, no one ever prefers a violist over a violinist. You never hear anyone say, “I really want a viola to be played at my wedding.” It just isn’t done; it’s usually cellos, violins, or pianos if it’s a soloist situation. Good luck getting too many jobs as a viola player other than in a large or small group setting.
