Violas

The Viola is slightly larger than the Violin and as a result has a warmer, mellower tone.  It is mainly used for the inner harmonies of an orchestra or string quartet, but a few Viola concertos have been written, mostly by modern composers.  The only early composers to find the right type of expression for the Viola were Mozart in his 'Sinfonia Concertante' and Berlioz in his 'Harold in Italy' where it is used to express melancholy thought.

The best examples of the Viola in a supporting role are in string quartets due to its quiet tone usually being lost within an orchestra.

Approximate Range	3 1/2 octaves
String Tuning (low to high)	C, G, D, A
Length	69cm