Bratschen

Bratschen (singular Bratsche) is a bowed string instrument of the violin family. In orchestral and chamber music it functions primarily as the alto voice, sitting between the violin and the cello in pitch. The German word Bratsche corresponds to the Italian viola.

A Bratsche typically has four strings tuned in fifths to C3–G3–D4–A4, and a body size larger than a violin, producing a darker, warmer timbre. Common sizes range from about 38 to 46 cm in body length, with 16 inches (about 40 cm) being a standard size for many players. The instrument is usually made with a spruce top, maple back and sides, and ebony fittings; inside, a soundpost and bass bar support its resonance.

It is played with a bow held under the chin, and its music is most often notated in the alto clef; higher passages may appear in treble clef, and occasional passages in bass clef. The viola is essential in string quartets and symphony orchestras, where it provides inner harmony, texture, and, at times, melodic lines. It is also used in solo repertoire and contemporary music.

Historically, violas emerged in 16th-century Europe and developed into a standard member of the violin family by the 18th century. The instrument remains favored for its expressive range, typically described as a bridge between the brighter violins and the deeper cellos.

Notable violists include William Primrose and Lionel Tertis, who contributed to the instrument’s solo and repertoire development.