Strings · Violin family
Viola
A fifth lower than the violin and slightly larger, with a darker, warmer tone. It fills the inner voices of the string section.
- Section
- Strings
- Family
- Violin family
- Classification
- Chordophone · bowed
- Transposition
- None (concert pitch)
- Clefs
- Alto; treble for high passages
- Sounding range
- C3 – E6
- Open strings
- C3 G3 D4 A4
Parts of the viola
Front and side view. Photo: Just plain Bill, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Labels added by Musicians Tools.
Range
Solo writing goes higher, especially with harmonics. Playback uses a neutral tone, not the instrument's own sound.
Writing for the viola
- Reads alto clef and switches to treble clef for high passages.
- The C string is dark and resonant; the A string is nasal and penetrating.
- Body size varies between about 38 and 43 cm, so stretches are wider than on the violin. Avoid violin-style fast passages in high positions.
- In tutti passages the viola is easily covered; double it or thin the texture when its line matters.
History
Violas were among the first members of the violin family, but for a long time they mainly filled inner harmonies. In the 19th century Berlioz gave the viola a solo role in Harold en Italie, and in the 20th century players such as Lionel Tertis and William Primrose inspired major concertos.
Listen
Key works featuring the viola. Each link opens a YouTube search, so you can pick the recording you like.
- Berlioz – Harold en Italie
- Walton – Viola Concerto
- Bartók – Viola Concerto
- Mozart – Sinfonia concertante, K. 364