alttoviulu

Alttoviulu, Finnish for the instrument commonly known as the viola, is a bowed string instrument in the violin family. It is larger than the violin and produces a darker, mellower tone. Its range sits between the violin and the cello, and in ensembles it often carries inner and mid-range parts as well as occasional melodies.

Construction and tuning: The viola typically has a wooden body with a spruce top and maple back, a neck with ebony fittings, and four strings tuned to C3–A4 (from lowest to highest: C3, G3, D4, A4). Standard full sizes are about 38–40 cm in body length. The instrument is held on the left shoulder with a chin rest, and sound is produced with a bow and rosin-treated hair.

Role and repertoire: In classical orchestras, the viola provides the middle voice and bridges the harmony and melody. It is central to string quartets and many chamber works, and has a growing solo repertoire since the 19th and 20th centuries. Notable violists such as Lionel Tertis and William Primrose helped expand the instrument’s technical possibilities and repertoire.

History and usage: The viola developed in 16th-century Italy as part of the violin family, with instruments built by makers such as Amati and Stradivari influencing its form. The name alttoviulu reflects its alto range relative to the violin. Today the viola is standard in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and many contemporary genres, including film and contemporary classical music.