MUSIC

The viola is a 4 stringed instrument that is either bowed or plucked. It is a member of the string instrument family (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) and is often seen as the “alto” voice of the section. It originates from the viola da gamba which was the predecessor to the modern cello. Throughout many tweaks and experiments, the viola would become the mainstay of the orchestra and the string quartet. Although it has been often neglected for the glamour of the violin and piano, the viola has seen its fair share of repertoire over the last century thanks to composers like Paul Hindemith, Rebecca Clarke, and York Bowen to name a few.

 

Perhaps it is because of this, that the viola now has a strong connotation of being linked with many of the pieces from the modern era and contemporary era we live in. It has even been a major part outside of the classical genre with bands like The Flobots, Vasen, and the Danish String Quartet. The viola is a versatile instrument with many colors and timbres that offer a sound like none other and is often quoted as the instrument closest to the human voice.