viola Overview

The viola is larger and sounds lower than the violin. Many people have a hard time telling the difference between the two because they are so similar. A full sized viola is usually two inches longer than a violin. It has one lower string and can play seven notes lower. It was invented along with the violin around 1550 by the Italian instrument maker Andrea Amati. They were patterned after a similar instrument called the viol.

The viola typically plays an accompanimental role in orchestras and in various chamber ensembles, though they do get the melody line on occasion. There are many great solo pieces for the viola, such as the Concerto in G Major by Telemann, the Viola Concerto by William Walton, Harold in Italy by Berlioz, and the Sinfonia Concertante by Mozart.

Music that is written for the viola uses the alto clef, which no other string instrument uses. Higher instruments use the treble clef and lower instruments use the bass clef. The viola is perfectly situated in the middle meaning that the alto clef works just right for the majority of the viola’s range.

Many violists start out on violin and then switch over to viola later. Often, the student dislikes the high, bright sound of the violin E string and prefers the rich, warm sound of the viola. As a violist, you won’t get to be the star of the show nearly as often as a violinist, so if you are the kind of person who appreciates having a role that is more supportive and don’t feel the need to always be the center of attention, the viola may be just what you are looking for. Because there is usually less competition among viola players, some choose the instrument for practical reasons. For instance, it tends to be much more likely to win auditions and get scholarships if you are a skilled viola player than a similarly skilled violinist.

Some of the great violists of the past are Carl Stamitz, William Primrose, and Lionel Tertis. A few of the greatest performers of today are Pinchas Zukerman, Kim Kashkashian, and Atar Arad.