viola

Also known as violas

The viola ( , () ) is a string instrument of the violin family, and is usually bowed when played. The viola is slightly larger than the violin and has a lower sound. Since the 18th century, it has been the middle or alto voice of the violin family, between the violin (which is tuned a perfect fifth higher) and the cello (which is tuned an octave lower). The strings from low to high are typically tuned to C3, G3, D4, and A4.

AI overview

The viola is a bowed string instrument slightly larger than the violin that produces a lower sound and serves as the middle voice of the violin family. Since the 18th century, it has filled an important role in orchestras and chamber music by bridging the pitch range between violins and cellos.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Instrument.name: Viola
Instrument.names: ;
Instrument.alt: Viola shown from the front and the side
Instrument.image: Bratsche.jpg
Instrument.background: string
Instrument.hornbostel_sachs: 321.322–71
Instrument.hornbostel_sachs_desc: Composite chordophone sounded by a bow
Instrument.developed: c. 13th century
Instrument.range: 135px|center
Instrument.related: Violin family (violin, cello, double bass)

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Wikidata facts

Image: Bratsche.jpg

Show 3 more facts

Commons category: Viola (music)
Hornbostel-Sachs classification: 321.322-71
Commons gallery: Viola (music)

Sources (4)

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~24 min read

Article

15 sections

Contents

Form
Method of playing
Tuning
Organizations and research
Music
Reading music
Role in pre-twentieth century works
Twentieth century and beyond
Contemporary pop music
Notable violists
Electric violas
Notes
References
Further reading
External links

In the past, the viola varied in size and style, as did its names. The word viola originates from the Italian language. The Italians often used the term viola da braccio, meaning, literally, 'of the arm'. "Brazzo" was another Italian word for the viola, which the Germans adopted as Bratsche. The French had their own names: cinquiesme was a small viola, haute contre was a large viola, and taile was a tenor. Today, the French use the term alto, a reference to its range.