Viola

The viola is a bowed string instrument from the violin family, and is recognized for its larger size compared to the violin and its distinctively deep, mellow tone. Originating in Europe during the 16th century, the viola holds the middle or alto voice in orchestras and chamber ensembles, bridging the melodic violin and the rich bass of the cello. The four strings of the viola are tuned to C3, G3, D4, and A4, and the instrument is often used to provide harmony, fill inner parts, or support melodies with its expressive and warm timbre.

History of the Viola

The name viola originates from the Italian language, and over time, this instrument has been referred to by different names across various cultures. In Italy, it was called viola da braccio (meaning “of the arm”), whereas in Germany it became known as Bratsche. The French have used terms like alto, reflecting the viola’s range. Historically, the viola had various sizes and styles, evolving in shape and length to enhance its tonal quality and playability. Before the 18th century, different violas—such as tenor and alto violas—were crafted for different musical purposes.

Construction and Design

The viola shares similar construction features with the violin but is noticeably larger, with a body length that ranges between 38 to 46 cm (15–18 inches). Unlike the violin, the viola does not have a standard size, with luthiers experimenting over centuries to perfect its design. Some violas are cutaway or feature deeper ribs to enhance resonance while maintaining a manageable size for players. Notable innovations include the Ritter viola alta and the Tertis model viola, which were attempts to improve tonal quality and projection. The viola is often carved from traditional tonewoods such as spruce and maple, with the strings being thicker and tuned to produce a warm, resonant sound that sets it apart from the violin.

Playing Technique

Players of the viola are called violists. Because of its larger size and heavier strings, the viola demands a unique playing technique compared to the violin. The bow used for the viola is heavier, typically weighing between 70-74 grams, and the viola’s strings respond differently, requiring a deeper, more sustained pressure. The left hand must reach farther and adjust for the wider spacing between notes. Due to its particular range, the viola is often notated in the alto clef, making it one of the few instruments that regularly use this type of musical notation.

Range and Tuning

The viola is tuned in fifths, with strings from low to high: C, G, D, A. Its range is one fifth below that of the violin, making it suitable for alto and tenor lines in orchestral and chamber music. The C string, the lowest, is especially noted for its rich and expressive sound, and composers often instruct violists to play specific phrases on this string to exploit its depth. Violists use both pegs and fine tuners to adjust pitch, similar to the violin, and may employ specialized tunings, known as scordatura, in certain repertoire.

Viola’s Role in Music

Throughout history, the viola has played an essential role in orchestral and chamber music. In early music, the viola primarily filled out harmonies and supported other melodic instruments. During the Baroque and Classical periods, composers like J.S. Bach, Telemann, and Stamitz started writing more prominently for the viola, featuring it in concertos and ensembles. The viola’s warm, lyrical voice is often used to bridge the sound between the violins and cellos, playing inner harmonies and occasionally leading with melodic lines. In chamber music, particularly in string quartets and quintets, the viola provides a vital link in texture, contributing significantly to the harmonic richness of the ensemble.

Notable Repertoire

While the viola did not receive as many concertos or sonatas as the violin or cello during the Classical era, it has been prominently featured in works such as Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, Brahms’ Viola Sonatas, and Don Quixote by Richard Strauss. Max Bruch, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Hector Berlioz also wrote notable works featuring the viola, often showcasing its deep, resonant qualities and emotional expressiveness.