| The viola is simply a larger version of the violin, | | | | past. It was more of an instrument that was to |
| but it differs in its tone, strings and how it is | | | | have a smaller part in order to add to the music, |
| played. While the violin has a higher pitch, the viola | | | | but major parts were not overly popular for it. In |
| has a slightly lower pitch. Also, the viola is played | | | | the twentieth century, however, it changed. As |
| with the pads of the fingers than the fingertips as | | | | music began to evolve, so did the interest grow |
| is the case with the violin. This is a result of the | | | | for people to start writing more pieces for the |
| larger size of the viola. The places where the | | | | viola. Viola music is quite unique and specialized to |
| fingers must be placed in order to strike the right | | | | the instrument, so most music has to be altered |
| note are a little farther apart and the vibratos' are | | | | in order to incorporate the viola or new music |
| also a little broader. In fact, the playing of the | | | | must be written. Many have done this and now |
| viola is similar to that of the cello in some ways | | | | the viola has been used in folk, country and many |
| because of its larger size. The strings are also | | | | other genres of music. |
| different from that of the violins and more similar | | | | It could be the deeper and richer sound that the |
| to those of the cello. The viola's highest string is | | | | viola has in comparison to the violin. The violin has |
| the A string. The next is the D string, then the G | | | | a higher and more delicate sound. The viola has a |
| string and then the C string. | | | | slightly deeper and richer sound and it is this |
| While some of the technique in playing the viola is | | | | difference that the educated ear can easily pick |
| very much like that of the cello, the viola is held | | | | up and tell the difference between the two |
| the same way as the violin. The viola can be a | | | | instruments. When familiar with the sound of one |
| little more difficult to play because of the spacing | | | | or both of them, the difference in the sound is |
| on the viola and most viola players will opt to play | | | | unmistakable. Regardless of the differences, the |
| a smaller version of the viola rather than a larger | | | | beauty of the sounds created by the viola when |
| version because the demands on the stretch of | | | | in perfect tune and properly played are almost |
| the fingers is less. | | | | hypnotizing. Most people enjoy the sound of the |
| The bow is also a little thicker than that of a | | | | viola fully as it tends to create a soothing and |
| violins bow in order to play the instrument | | | | calming sound. Perhaps this is the reason that |
| properly. There also does not appear to be a | | | | more effort is being put in by composers to |
| whole lot of music written for the viola in the | | | | include the viola in a larger role than before. |