How many famous violists can you name? How many great viola concertos? "The repertoire is too limited," I said, speaking what was on my mind. This fact did not deter her determination. "Mr. Rossi thinks I'd make a great violist," she replied. There was that look again, right in her light brown eyes. Just like her mother. I had a sudden insight: my teenage daughter had a crush on the conductor.
Now, I had nothing particular against the viola, as an instrument. Frankly speaking, I've known a couple of violists pretty intimately and I've always found violists to be warm and tender people. Much less high-strung, so to speak, than violinists. Not quite as passionate as cellists. But I would hardly have considered the viola to be a prestigious solo instrument.