Behind the Scenes: A Viola Player's Perspective

Hello everyone.
Today I would like to share with you the behind-the-scenes world as seen through the eyes of a viola player.

When I was a student, I played the viola in an orchestra.
Based on that experience,
I would like to share with you the story of how music is created through small episodes behind the scenes that you usually don't get to see,
I would like to introduce the story of how music is born.

Those who have just started playing the viola,
or those who like to play the viola part in an orchestra,
I hope it will be helpful for viola players who are just starting to play the viola, those who like to play the viola part in an orchestra, and those who want to join an orchestra.

1. rehearsal with a thread of tension running through it

Rehearsals before a performance are always filled with tension.
Under the strict eye of the conductor, we polish our music.

One day at rehearsal, when we could not get the notes right in a particularly difficult passage, the accompaniment = kizami, in which the viola plays a key role,
The conductor once softened the mood by making a joke (a viola joke, of course).
(Of course, it was not a viola joke.)
(Of course, it was not a viola joke.) That one comment helped to ease the tension between us, and the result was a wonderful performance.
Behind the scenes, such small communication makes a big difference.

2. little heroes behind the scenes

The success of a performance does not depend solely on the performers.
It is essential to have staff members who provide support in areas that cannot be seen, such as lighting, sound, and stage setup.

One night, just before the performance, a viola string broke,
Thanks to the stage manager backstage who quickly arranged for a replacement string, we were able to perform without incident,
Thanks to the stage manager backstage who quickly arranged for a replacement string, we were able to perform without incident.

A good stage manager is a hero in orchestra management!

3. a sense of accomplishment after the performance

The moment of curtain call is when all your efforts are rewarded, no matter how tired you are.
When the audience applauds warmly, the tension from rehearsals and before the performance,
the little troubles that happened backstage, all turn into something meaningful.
It is for this moment that we practice every day and support each other backstage.

A viola player is like a first violin or a wind instrument,
It is rare for a viola player to become a hero by singing a beautiful melody, as is the case with the first violin or wind instruments.
If anything,
They play a behind-the-scenes role.

However, they are the "anko" (bean jam) for a good performance.
The viola is the "red bean paste" in taiyaki,
The viola is the instrument that plays the role of the "red bean paste" in the taiyaki!

Many viola players are reserved,
When they finish a good performance, they always look satisfied,
They will have a look of satisfaction on their faces.

Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

I hope this blog will give you a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of viola players.
I hope you will remember this behind-the-scenes story the next time you visit an orchestra concert. Thank you very much.