First... what is a Viola?
Probably the most common question about the viola is... what is it??
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It's true that the viola is the lesser known instrument of its string family. However, if you've ever seen an orchestra, you've actually seen and heard the viola!
Granted... you likely mistook it for a violin and understandably so, since the viola looks almost the same and is even held just like a violin.
There are a few differences of course.
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The viola is larger than the violin. Violins come in a standard "full" size, but the viola comes in varying sizes, and generally you want to choose the largest size that will fit your body frame.
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The viola does share 3 of the same strings as the violin, but it possess a low C string instead of the high E string like the violin.
In fact, this C string is the reason why the viola is ideally larger. The thicker the string becomes, the lower the pitch goes, and the longer the string needs to be (ideally) - which is why the instrument needs to be longer to accommodate a more ideal string length.
However, because the viola is larger, this gives the instrument a warm, deep, and rich sound notably different in timber and even volume to its violin counterpart. The C string also gives the viola more of an "alto voice" range instead of a "soprano" voice like the violin.
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With this middle range, the viola is usually given harmonies and counter rhythms in an orchestra or ensemble, supporting melody lines and balancing out the orchestra. While it's not a glamorous role, the viola does add a lot of color, interest, and depth to an ensemble - an important role none the less!