Viola

A viola is a stringed musical instrument that is closely related to the violin though it is larger in form. Its pitch as compared to that of a violin is tuned a fifth lower and it produces a tenor voice when played in a group of strings. This influences its written music since it all uses the alto clef which is also known as the viola clef. When higher music notes are being written, the viola borrows the treble clef to raise the notes. The viola’s tone is darker by two inches in comparison to that of a violin. Its size however varies with age of the users so children use smaller violas. The viola lacks a standard full size unlike the violin. While working on improving its sound a viola maker has to keep in mind keeping the original sounds and characteristics of the instrument while taking care not to reduce the size too drastically because then it becomes a different instrument all together. The increased size has given the viola a deep sound almost like that of a cello.

The viola is used to play modern music like pop and jazz. However, it is rarely used when doing more traditional pieces and its popularity is different in different places. violas have their origin in Italy and the first ones can be traced way back to the 15th century. The first viola was known as a viola de Braccio and rest of the viola have been modified from it. The different types of violas are the Yamaha Silent viola, Strunal 3/90 FH Student viola Outfit, Josef Lazar Model 14 viola Outfit and the Palatino VA-450 viola Outfit among others. The viola has been given different names, for example Violetta, Violino, Cinquieme and Quinte De Violin. It is used in Rome and Hungary by people who do band music using stringed instruments. The viola has characteristic thick strings and the violist needs to strike them heavily for them to produce sound. It uses a wider bow as compared to the violin and its outside is rounded. Tuning the viola involves turning the pegs with the strings around.

If the strings are tightened, the note is raised to a higher note and if it is loosened, the note goes lower and it becomes flat. A violist is the name given to the person who plays a viola. To play the viola, the violist places the bottom part of the viola between his shoulder and chin. He then uses the bow to strike the strings to produces sounds which vary in note. Parts of the viola were written by great composers like Mozart, Berlioz, Strauss and Haydn. Don Quixote is a perfect example whereby the part of sancho panza is played by the viola. For people who are aspiring to become violists, they should purchase the viola and a guide book which gives details of how to play the instrument. People can also rent the book and instrument temporarily from their local music stores and this will be even cheaper. However, people who want to pursue playing the viola will at a point have to buy the instrument, a shoulder rest and a music stand.