The Viola

The Underrated Instrument

The history of the viola and the history of the violin and the so-called “violin family”, have been closely related. In the history of classical music, the viola, although neglected in many aspects, has played quite an important role, recognised by several composers and authors of treatises. A bit like salt in a meal: it's not the main ingredient but it's indispensable.

Viola

The Evolution of the Viola

Before the start of the 16th Century, the term ‘viola’ was already used to describe string instruments that bore similar characteristics of the violin family. Such instruments were grouped under two families: viola da braccio and viola da gamba. The viola da braccio was played on the arms, had low ribs, four strings across a curved bridge and a round back. The viola da gamba was played at the legs, had high ribs, five to seven strings across a flatter bridge and a flat back.

Essentially, the term ‘viola’ was used for all such instruments in Italy. For example: Violino (small viola); Violone (big viola/bass viola); Violoncello (smaller bass viola).

Viola da bracchio and Viola da gamba

The viola and violin family developed around the beginning of the 16th century in Italy from previous bowed instruments, such as the viola da bracchio and the viola da gamba. The shape of viola and violin as it is today was not invented but was rather the result of an evolution of various forms, by different craftsmen. There are paintings and other documentation of that time proving that makers were experimenting with various shapes and sizes of bowed instruments.

Early example of a viola in painting
Angeli Musicanti, 1534-36
Gaudenzio Ferrari (c. 1471 – January 11, 1546)

From the background, to the foreground

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the viola was mainly used in the orchestra and the opera. By the 18th and 19th century, more composers, such as Telemann, Stamitz, Mozart, Berlioz, and Mendelssohn, began writing music for viola as a solo instrument.

Since the 20th century, the viola has gained more fame and appreciation for its deeper timbre and more parts were dedicated to this instrument in compositions of this period.

Links to notable compositions:

Read more at Viola in Music and Viola Central.
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This page was coded by Michaela Kleer.