The viola is a cousin of the violin and is a string instrument. It has a deeper tone than the violin’s soprano and is considered an alto. Though most people believe the viola is much bigger than the violin, this is not the case. Most are about 16 inches (40.64 cm) long on average. A full-sized violin is only 2 inches (5.08 cm) longer than this.
Because of the small size difference, the sound produced by the cello is richer and mellower than that of the violin. The viola would have to be at least 21 inches (53.34 cm) long to match the acoustics of a violin. For the violist, however, this would be impractical. On the viola, however, experiments have been made to produce violin-like acoustics. Some have measured nearly 19 inches (48.26 inches) in length. This is true of the instrument that was originally used in many of Wagner’s operas.
Most violinists, on the other hand, are content with the traditional size, and many violinists switch to viola. People with larger hands may find it easier to play the instrument. Moreover, for many people, the instrument is not their first choice. Many violinists learn the viola in order to be eligible for musical scholarships that they would not otherwise be eligible for as violinists. Because of the instrument’s lack of popularity, players are in much higher demand.
This isn’t to say that some people aren’t viola devotees. J.S. Bach and Mozart, for example, both preferred to play it in orchestras over the violin. In fact, some of the most important early works for the instrument were written by Bach and Mozart. Viola harmony is used extensively in Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Violaists will enjoy Mozart’s string quintets, which feature two violins, a viola, and a cello.
Although many violin or cello solos have been transcribed for the viola, there are fewer solos for this instrument. Its parts are usually harmony rather than melody. A few standout pieces, such as Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp, can give the violist a spotlight.
The viola is thought to be slightly more difficult to play than the violin. Because the bow is longer, the arm must be held further away from the body. To achieve the appropriate sound at the appropriate time, music must be bowed slightly faster than violin work.
The strings are four in number, similar to the violin, and are tuned in major fifths in most cases. The strings are C, G, D, and A, as opposed to G, D, A, and E on the violin. The majority of music is written in the alto clef. This clef is unusual and can cause a headache for violinists switching to viola. The instrument’s lower C, on the other hand, would make reading and learning the viola’s bottom notes in treble clef difficult.
Some music for the higher strings is written in treble clef, but switching back and forth between the clefs can be difficult for an inexperienced musician. Experienced musicians are usually familiar with both clefs and bass clef, especially if they have conducted before.
Cathy Basrak, the principal violist for the Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is a modern player worth hearing. Furthermore, viola music is not solely associated with symphonic music. The instrument can be heard in Kansas’ hit Dust in the Wind, and the Velvet Underground used it on two albums. Violas are also commonly used in folk and country music.