Viola

Did you know...? During the Renaissance, two very different violas in terms of sophistication began to be made: the "violas da braccio," cruder and used for popular music in bars and taverns, and the "violas da gamba," much more refined and exclusive, used by the high court.

Characteristics of the Viola:

The viola is a musical instrument belonging to the string family, specifically bowed strings. It has a similar aesthetic, composition, and materials to the violin but is larger in size and has a lower sound. The musician specializing in this musical instrument is called a violist or simply a viola player. It is a wonderful musical instrument, considered the tenor of the "violin" category. However, due to the great success and popularity of the violin and cello, it has always had to assume a more discreet role, as it is positioned between these two protagonists.

The viola is a bowed string musical instrument, similar in materials and construction to the violin but larger in size and with a lower sound.

Specifically, it has a total length that can range from 37 cm to 43 cm, somewhat larger than the violin.

The same notes as on the cello can be played on the viola, with a slightly more intense sound. On the other hand, its tuning is set in intervals of fifths.

Context and History of the Viola:

The origin of the viola as we know it today is directly related to the history of the violin and 16th-century Italy. Great artists and luthiers of the time such as Andrea Amati, Nicola Amati, Gasparo da Salò, Andrea Guarnieri, and Antonio Stradivari, located in northern Italy (Milan, Brescia, Cremona, Venice…), began to create and promote these musical instruments.

Main Parts of the Viola:

Among the main parts of a viola are:

• The soundbox is the part responsible for making the air inside vibrate and amplifying the sound.

• The soundpost of the viola is located between the two soundboard plates of the instrument and near the f-holes. Its function is to transmit vibrations from plate to plate.

• The scroll or head of the viola is the final part of the instrument's neck; it is crafted in a spiral with great detail.

• The pegbox is where the tuning pegs are located, which are used to tighten or loosen the strings.

• The viola has 4 strings connected from the tailpiece to the tuning pegs, tuned to the notes C, G, D, A. The tailpiece maintains tension at the lower part of the instrument where the strings are attached.

• The bridge separates the instrument's strings, and its quality and carving contribute to better or worse transmission of vibrations to the soundbox.

• The shoulder rest is used to support the front part of the shoulder when playing the viola.

The Sound of the Viola and in Which Musical Genres It Can Be Found:

The viola is considered the tenor or alto instrument of the string family, with a range exactly between the violin and the cello. Its tuning in fifth intervals goes from the lowest string on C, to the highest on A, passing through G and D. The timbre of the viola is clear, powerful, heavy, and dark at the same time.

The viola spectacularly supports many musical pieces, preventing the ensemble from sounding relatively flat and taking on a more harmonic than melodic role.

Violas can primarily be found in modern symphony orchestras, from 6 to 12, and are an undeniable element of string quartets and important chamber music ensembles. However, it can also be seen as accompaniment in other styles, such as electronic music or jazz.

Functioning of the Viola:

The viola should be held high on the neck without reaching the pegbox, and the musician can remain seated or standing, indifferently. The right hand is responsible for bowing the viola, while the left hand holds the viola and presses the different notes on the fingerboard (unlike guitars, there are no frets). There are many