Unconventional 5-string soloist
This 5-stringed hybrid combines the tone and range of a viola with the short scale and long reach of a violin, with string number 5 stretching downwards into cello territory. The bulbous, lumpy body shape gives it a fabulous resonance, and overall it has a warm, gritty sound, particularly in the low registers.
Odd to look at, but beautiful to listen to, especially when played by the inimitable Aleksey Igudesman, and incorporating his unique techniques. An instrument to surprise and inspire in equal measure—for any tracks that require a touch of the unusual.
Intro offer
€79.00
RRP: €99.00 | Ends March 11, 2026
5-string soloist with extended range, patterns and octaves, and a warm, gritty sound.
Renegade virtuoso
Who is Aleksey Igudesman? He’s a renegade virtuoso and mischievous innovator who pushes boundaries and upends the conventions of classical music. Whether playing violin, composing, or conducting, Aleksey always offers a unique blend of talent, creativity, and charisma. As a violinist and composer, he has frequently collaborated with renowned film composer Hans Zimmer, including on the Academy Award–nominated Sherlock Holmes soundtrack. Aleksey has toured with Zimmer as well as with an array of other talented musicians, often alongside legends in classical music and pop. This Viola Grotesca captures one of Aleksey’s favorite instruments, and makes its ugly beauty available to all.
"Aleksey is my ultimate secret weapon. He’s a musical pirate, anarchist, heartbreaker, and melts the enamel of your teeth. He can wield the violin like a deadly weapon. Sometimes you lose a window but mostly, you lose your mind. I’d hate him for his enormous talent if I didn’t love him so much."
— Hans Zimmer
Highlights
Rare instrument with an unusual sound and special tunings
2 sustain note options, with legato
3 short note options
Chord patches with repetitions—maj, min, open
Arpeggio patch in 3 tunings
Swashbuckler rhythmic patterns
7 mic positions, including 4 close mic options and surround
Recorded at Teldex Scoring Stage, Berlin
Celebrating the unconventional
This is an unusual instrument, and Aleksey Igudesman is a most unusual player—constantly and creatively exploring the boundaries of technique. We set out to capture this bold aesthetic with patches that help you create rhythm…
Open chords
Three patches for three different repetitions. Each one is two notes playing an octave apart—sounding either once, twice, or three times. Combine them to create rhythmic patterns, adding drive and movement.
Arpeggios
The wide tonal range of the instrument lends itself to these wide rhythmic arpeggios. You can sync them to your host tempo, and you use the variation slider to select your tuning: Major, minor, or open.
Swashbucklers
Almost as a bonus, we recorded variations of rhythmic patterns in 4/4 and 5/4. Those familiar with Aleksey’s work will be familiar with the sound, which invokes his rogueish sense of adventure with a subtle raised third. Each swashbuckler pattern offers variations to work with in the performance tab.
Aleksey Igudesman explains the Viola Grotesca
Runs in SINE
Mic merging
Preserve your system resources: Fine-tune your mix using multiple mic positions, then merge into a single channel within the player.
Greater usability
SINE is designed to complement the compositional workflow. Create on the fly with auto keyswitch options, and easy remapping tools.
Download single instruments
Choose only the instruments and mic positions that you currently need—no need to download the entire collection at once.
Artist Series
Igudesman Viola Grotesca
Unconventional 5-string soloist
Teldex Scoring Stage, Berlin
Works with Orchestral Tools’ SINEplayer—NOTE: Latest version required!
Size
20.7 GB of samples (9.3 GB SINEarc compressed)
24 bit / 48 KHz patches
SINE system requirements
Mac: macOS 10.15 or higher | Intel Core i5 or similar | Apple ARM chipsets supported | At least 8 GB RAM (16 GB+ recommended)
Windows: Windows 10 | Intel Core i5 or similar | At least 8 GB RAM (16 GB+ recommended)
Formats supported: Standalone, VST, VST3, AU, AAX