viola
A string instrument slightly larger and lower in pitch than the violin.
In Depth
The viola is tuned a perfect fifth lower than the violin (C3–G3–D4–A4) and is slightly larger, giving it a darker, warmer, more veiled tone quality. It serves as the alto voice of the string family, bridging the gap between the violin's brightness and the cello's depth.
Historically, the viola received less attention than the violin or cello, and violists were sometimes the butt of orchestra jokes. This changed in the 20th century, when outstanding players like William Primrose and Yuri Bashmet demonstrated the instrument's expressive potential. Bartók, Walton, and Hindemith wrote major viola concertos. The viola's unique, slightly melancholy colour makes it indispensable in chamber music and orchestral writing.
The viola was Mozart's favourite instrument to play in chamber music — when he sat down with friends to play string quartets, he always chose the viola part rather than violin.