Description

Muting the viola deepens its already dusky character, softening the tone into something warmer and more veiled. It is more than a filter on the sound – with the mute in place, the instrument invites a different touch and a different kind of phrasing. As the warm middle voice of the muted string quartet, Synchron Solo Viola (sordino) adds rich, introspective color to the ensemble. The instrument was performed by Anna Firsanova, solo violist of the Vienna Synchron Orchestra, in the large Stage A of Vienna Synchron Stage.

Sitting between the brilliance of the violin and the depth of the cello, the viola has always been the string family’s quiet, expressive heart – and the mute draws that quality even further inward. Synchron Solo Viola (sordino) once again features Anna Firsanova, solo violist of the Vienna Synchron Orchestra. Originally from Moscow, she studied in her hometown and in Vienna, and is currently co-principal violist of the Bruckner Orchestra Linz. With the mute in place, she reveals a softer, more intimate side of the viola, without losing any of its warm, characterful voice.