The Mysterious and Haunting Tones of the Black Magic Viola

The Mysterious Black Magic Viola

The violin is one of the most popular and iconic musical instruments in the world. Its sweet, singing tone has graced some of the most famous compositions in classical music history. However, few people know about its mysterious cousin - the black magic viola.

The black magic viola looks very similar to the standard violin but has a slightly larger body and lower range. It gets its name from its dark, eerie tone which is perfect for conjuring up supernatural soundscapes. This viola has a controversial history intertwined with legends of witchcraft, the occult, and dark rituals.

Origins of the Black Magic Viola

The earliest known mention of a black magic viola dates back to the 1600s in Europe. It was often associated with witches and sorcerers who would use the viola's creepy voice to enhance their incantations and spells. Some accounts tell of how a viola was stained black through arcane rituals to imbue it with sinister powers.

Other origins tie the black magic viola to pagan and voodoo traditions. In these cultures, the viola was thought to allow communication with spirits and demons when played at midnight beneath a full moon. The viola's resonating tones would summon these dark forces to do the bidding of the musician.

While these origins may be shrouded in myth, the black magic viola nevertheless developed an infamous reputation over the centuries. Those who dared to play it were often accused of being in league with malevolent entities. However, some thrill-seekers, occultists, and nonconformists also sought out the bewitching instrument for their own purposes.

The Black Magic Viola in Music

The rarity of the black magic viola meant very little solo repertoire was written specifically for it. However, some composers did take advantage of its unique voice to evoke sinister moods and themes.

In the 19th century, Niccolò Paganini wrote a number of pieces that highlighted the black magic viola's rich, dark sonority. His Caprice No.17 in E-flat major has a section where the black magic viola mimics a witch's cackle. Other composers like Franz Liszt also featured the instrument in tone poems based on macabre subjects like death and spirits.

Later in the 20th century, the black magic viola appeared in movie scores, especially for horror and fantasy films. Eerie solos on the viola can be heard in soundtracks for movies like Psycho, The Witch, and Pan's Labyrinth enhancing their creepy ambience.

Today, some avant-garde classical composers are reviving the mysteries of the black magic viola. Violinists like Jessica Meyer and Tony Conrad have experimented with playing extended techniques on the viola to maximise its otherworldly effects.

Crafting the Black Magic Viola

So what actually gives the black magic viola its dark resonance? While some occult rituals may have historically been used, most of the sound is produced by the materials and construction of the instrument.

The best black magic violas are hand-carved from aged tonewoods like maple and spruce. The wood is specially treated with fungal and bacterial cultures to darken it. It is then finished with black paint mixed with powdered minerals and bone dust. The strings are made from animal gut instead of modern steel for a raw, primitive growl.

Master luthiers carefully carve the viola's front and back plate to amplify its lower register. The rounded back adds boom while the elongated f-holes seem to wail with the night winds. Other unusual features like the delicate harpsichord style scroll give the viola its arcane allure.

Today, only a handful of luthiers still produce black magic violas by hand using these antiquated techniques. Each one is slightly different, but the unsettling tones they create are unmistakable.

Playing Techniques of the Black Magic Viola

To maximise the sinister effects of the black magic viola, specific playing techniques are used.

The bowing style emphasises slow, long strokes across the strings. This produces drawn-out notes that hang eerily in the air. Sul ponticello (near the bridge) bowing makes the notes tinny, strained and ghostly.

Unsettling effects can also be created by playing collé or behind-the-bridge where the strings are bowed at the tailpiece. This makes them vibrate against the viola's body creating mechanical whines, groans, and phantom whispers.

Vibrato is used sparingly and only to accentuate distressing notes. Excessive vibrato is avoided as it can dull the harshness of the viola's tones.

When not bowed, the black magic viola can also be plucked, struck, or strummed with fingers, picks or beaters. This adds dissonant percussive textures.

With all these techniques combined, the black magic viola can produce just about any creepy sound the music demands. In skilled hands, it can create music that haunts the imagination.

The Enduring Mystique

While not as ubiquitous as the standard violin, the black magic viola continues to mesmerize and unnerve audiences with its otherworldly voice. This unique string instrument holds centuries of dark legends and musical potential.

In the hands of creative modern musicians, the black magic viola's strange story is still being written. Its eerie voice speaks to our darker fascinations and continues to weave a spell on listeners - now that's true black magic!

FAQs

What is a black magic viola?

A black magic viola is a larger variant of the violin that has a dark, eerie tone. It gets its name from its association with occult rituals and witchcraft.

How does the black magic viola get its creepy sound?

The sound comes from its unique construction using aged, treated woods and gut strings. The shape is also customized to resonate the lower, gloomier notes.

What music uses the black magic viola?

It has been used for macabre classical compositions, horror movie soundtracks, and avant-garde pieces. The viola's creepy effects work well with sinister themes.

How is the black magic viola played?

Slow, haunting bow strokes, sul ponticello, collé, and unusual percussive plucking techniques are used to maximize its ghostly voice.

Where can I get a black magic viola?

Only a few luthiers still produce them by hand in very limited numbers, making them rare and expensive to obtain.