Objects of Substance- Edmee Gainsford Viola Prize

are thicker and denser than violin strings which means the player must work harder with the bow to produce a good tone. However, when played well the viola has a rich, mellow, and honey-like texture that is deep, sonorous, and rewarding. The viola has aptly been called the “Cinderella” of the string family. It has a heart of gold and great hidden beauty that is often overshadowed by its more rambunctious and flashy sisters: the violin and the cello. The viola has its own distinctive voice that is absolutely essential to the function of a string quartet, a string orchestra, or a symphony orchestra. Such an ensemble without the viola would be like having a choir with no tenors or The Beatles with no George Harrison. As such, it is a crucial part of a healthy ensemble-based instrumental music department and Grammar ensembles benefit from players that excel in playing the viola. And what is special about this viola? The photographs in this article show that this instrument has a rich, reddish pigment and some antiquing that makes it look older than it actually is [The viola was purchased in March, 2009]. The body is 16 inches in length which makes it a relatively large viola which adds to the physical challenge of the player but also means that there is an excellent resonating chamber and string tension for sound projection. Ultimately, the Gainsfords’ contribution not only opens doors for young musicians to realise their potential, like Myella Jago [10H] the violist who is playing this beautiful instrument in 2022, but also serves to enhance Girls Grammar instrumental music program by promoting study of an underrated, challenging, and often discriminated-against instrument: the viola. It is an honour that the School has been able to celebrate Edmee’s legacy in such a meaningful way through her family’s enduring gift of this special instrument.

Myella Jago (10H)

Michael Patterson Coordinator of Strings, Instrumental Music