viola

Viola is a bowed string instrument in the violin family, slightly larger and with a lower pitch than the violin. It is played under the chin with a bow and shares a similar construction, including a curved body and f-holes. The typical adult viola body length is about 38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 inches). The instrument has four strings tuned a fifth below the violin: C3, G3, D4, and A4.

The viola produces a warm, darker tone than the violin and frequently plays alto and inner voice parts in ensembles. Because of its size, it requires careful setup and technique to balance with surrounding instruments, and players use a slightly longer bow and a broader, slower bow stroke.

Music for the viola is written mainly in the alto clef; treble clef passages are common for higher notes. The instrument's practical range spans roughly from C3 to E6, with many works transposed or arranged to fit violas and some passages written in treble or tenor clef.

The viola emerged in 16th-century Italy as a member of the violin family and matured into an essential voice in string quartets and symphony orchestras during the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable composers wrote extensively for viola, and the instrument gained virtuoso popularity through players such as William Primrose and Lionel Tertis.

Beyond music, the term viola denotes a genus of flowering plants in the violet family (Viola), including the common violet (Viola odorata). The Italian word viola also means purple or violet.