The Viola
The viola is the bigger brother of the violin. Because it is bigger,
it has a lower sound. Although it has the same fingerings as the violin,
viola players need to stretch their fingers more than violinists.
Like many other instruments in the orchestra, the viola has changed in size
many times. Throughout its history, its size has ranged from 14 inches to
18 inches. Even though the viola was very unpopular it its early days, today
no orchestra could survive without them.
To hear the viola in action, listen to:
Berlioz: Harold in Italy
Elgar: Enigma Variations