Viola << vee OH luh or vy OH luh >> is a stringed musical instrument that resembles a large violin. The viola serves as the tenor voice in the violin family, with the violins taking the higher parts and the cello and bass taking the lower parts. Like the other members of the violin family, the viola has four strings and is played with a bow. The instrument has a range of more than three octaves, and produces a distinctive rich, velvety sound.
The viola originated in the 1500’s. Since the late 1700’s, it has had a prominent role in symphonic music and chamber music. Composers such as Hector Berlioz, Richard Strauss, and Sir William Walton have written for the viola as a solo instrument.
See also Primrose, William; Tertis, Lionel; Zukerman, Pinchas.
