VSTi Viola da Terra

VSTi (Virtual Studio Technology).

Created by the German company Steinberg in 1996, it was originally developed to emulate studio equipment and to transform hardware into software. Later, its reach spanned to musical instruments. In so doing, the sound of said instruments could now be executed by computers through technology.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).

Viola da Terra

Viola da Terra is a chordophone that belongs to the traditional Portuguese steel String Guitars: such as Viola Amarantina, Viola Beiroa, Viola Braguesa, Viola Campaniça, Viola Toeira, Viola de Arame Madeirense, and Viola da Terra.

Its shape is that of an "8", and its harmonic top is parallel to its back.

The Viola da Terra is comprised of 12 strings. These 12 strings are arranged in 5 sets: the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd sets have two strings; the 4th and 5th sets have three (from the highest pitched string to the lowest).

VST Viola da Terra

For this VSTi, Palco de Ilusões made a recording of a Viola da Terra built by Raimundo Leonardes, as requested by Rafael de Carvalho: owner of performer of the recorded instrument.

This project was sponsored by Direcção Regional dos Assuntos Culturais (Regional Directorate for Cultural Affairs).