Viola

History

The viola is very much like the violin, and is often mistaken as one. The differences are that a viola is slightly larger than a violin, and has a mellower and deeper tone. Like the violin, the viola is also a direct descendant from the viola da braccio, and also appeared around the 16^th century. However, the viola was, in a way, acoustically challenged, and an ideal viola would require it to be so long that it was nearly impossible to play. In the late 18^th century, composers began to realise the true musical quality of the viola, and even wrote concertos for it. Alterations were made as an attempt to improve the viola, but it was only until the 20^th century when the more successful and significant changes were made.

Parts

Refer to image

As seen in the diagram, the viola is almost identical to the violin, with the same appearance and same parts.

Image taken from:

http://www.wwbw.com/CustomerService/BuyGuides/BuyGuide_violas.aspx

Sound Production

In a viola, sound is produced in the same way as a violin – the strings vibrate, which cause the wooden body to vibrate, which causes the air inside to vibrate, which amplifies the sound.

Range and tuning

A viola, like the violin, has four strings which are also tuned in fifths apart. Unlike the violin, the strings start from the C an octave lower than middle C, jumping in fifths to G, D and to A. The tuning is one fifth below the violin, but is an octave higher than the cello.