Viola

The violin family was lacking members to support is soprano voice, and by around 1530’s the viola had emerged with its lower voice. It was heard only in the orchestra up until the mid-1700’s, but later it became important to chamber music and was necessary for string quartets. In the last century there have been a few solo violists, but it still is not regarded as a solo instrument.

This instrument is bigger than the violin, though it is hard to tell it from the audience’s view. Its sound is warm, deep and powerful. If instruments represented human voices, the viola would rank as an alto. It is not often used in a solo role, but it could not be removed from the orchestra because of its value in playing harmony. It is more difficult to play, due to violists having to stretch their fingers further between notes. The exertion that viola players go through is extraordinary, making the game of Twister look very simple!

Because the viola is so difficult to play, there are only a few great violists in the world. The viola is sometimes thought of as lesser in status compared to violins, and violists are often teased. Thus, the viola is used in many jokes. Here's one-- Question: "How can you tell if a viola is out of tune?" Answer: "The bow is moving!".

The viola has the same parts as the violin, and is played with a bow or plucked, pizzicato. The length is 29" long, which is 6" longer than the violin.