We always love when people leave comments on the blog; it’s fun to be able to hear back from you about music, interviews, and whatever else we put here. Once every week (or two), I also like to ask questions about your musical experiences.
Previously, we’ve asked about
favorite composers,
discussed listening, and had some
potential interview subjects recommended. Those discussions aren’t closed; you can still leave comments on all of these older questions.
This week, I’m asking: what’s your favorite musical instrument? What are some of the reasons you like it?
It could be something you play or have played, but it doesn’t have to be. I play the
viola, and it still is my favorite instrument. It’s the mediator of the strings, bringing together the higher violins and the lower cellos and basses. I also like the viola's mellow, and sometimes mournful, sound.
Plus, we have all the
good jokes.
After the viola, I think my favorite instrument is the clarinet. It has many different personalities; it can be bright and jazzy or warm and resonant. It also sounds really nice with the viola.
I’m going to defeat the purpose of picking favorites if I also mention how I love the (French) horn, especially when a bunch of them get together in a big symphony orchestra, and the oboe and bassoon as a pair (
listen to them in the second movement of William Schuman’s New England Triptych).
So, which is your favorite?
To add your comments,
click here to create a free account (it takes less than a minute). If you already have an account, just login and start writing!