viola
Sign in to saveThe 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)
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
15 sectionsContents
- 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
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.
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.