Vertical Viola (Alto Violin)

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The vertical viola, also known as the alto violin or upright viola, is a stringed instrument that combines the tonal range of a standard viola with the playing style of a cello. As the fourth-highest member of the violin octet (following the treble, soprano, and mezzo violins), it is typically played in an upright position. The vertical viola offers a richer sound through a larger body compared to a traditional viola.

History

The vertical viola was developed in the 1960s by physicist and instrument maker Carleen Hutchins. Hutchins aimed to address the inherent limitations of the standard viola’s size, which, when played under the chin, could not be expanded further without compromising comfort and playability. She theorized that playing a larger viola upright, like a cello, would allow for a fuller sound. By increasing the body length by about 6 cm (2½ in) over that of a typical viola, Hutchins created a design that enhanced resonance and depth of tone.

Design Principles

The core acoustic principle of the vertical viola lies in achieving resonance alignment between the body and air cavity with specific strings:

Main Body Resonance: Tuned to match the frequency of the second-highest string, typically the D string on a viola.
Main Cavity Resonance: Designed to align with the frequency of the third-highest string, the G string on a viola.

The standard viola is generally too small to accomplish this ideal resonance match, except in modified designs like the “hole-in-the-heart” variant. The increased body size of the vertical viola allows for this desired acoustic balance, resulting in a richer, more resonant sound.

Role in the Violin Octet

The vertical viola is a part of the violin octet, a family of eight stringed instruments that Hutchins designed. These instruments range from high-pitched treble violins to deep, cello-like contrabasses. Hutchins applied the same design principles across the octet, aiming for ideal resonance characteristics for each. Among these instruments, the vertical viola—referred to by Hutchins as the “alto violin”—has gained the most recognition due to its successful balance of size and sound quality.

Playing Technique and Usage

The vertical viola is primarily played in a seated position, held between the knees or on a stand similar to a cello. It is bowed with the right hand, while the left hand presses the strings along the fretless fingerboard to produce notes. Although Hutchins designed the instrument to be played upright, some violists have experimented with playing it horizontally, much like a traditional viola.

The instrument has attracted admiration for its warm and powerful tone. Notably, celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma has used a vertical viola to perform and record Béla Bartók‘s Viola Concerto, showcasing the instrument’s potential for solo performances in classical music.

FAQ

What is a vertical viola?

The vertical viola, also known as the alto violin, is a larger-sized viola designed to be played upright like a cello. It offers a richer and deeper sound due to its larger body and improved resonance.

Who invented the vertical viola?

The vertical viola was invented by Carleen Hutchins, a physicist and instrument maker, in the 1960s as part of her work on the violin octet.

How does the vertical viola differ from a regular viola?

The vertical viola is played upright like a cello and has a longer body, approximately 6 cm longer than a traditional viola. This design allows for better resonance, resulting in a richer sound.

What makes the vertical viola's sound unique?

The vertical viola is designed to align its body and cavity resonances with specific strings, creating a balanced and full sound. Its larger body size allows for greater resonance compared to a standard viola.

Can the vertical viola be played like a standard viola?

While it is primarily designed to be played upright, some musicians have experimented with playing the vertical viola horizontally, similar to a standard viola.

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