What does viola look like?
The viola looks like a large violin and in terms of its construction it is more or less the same. Along with the size of the viola, it also has a lower pitch and greater depth of sound than its more famous cousin. Due to the violin’s popularity, it can commonly be thought that the viola isn’t as important to the orchestra or symphony as whole.
Why is viola forgotten?
The viola has been the middle child of its family, traditionally (and unfairly) overshadowed by its smaller and larger counterparts. Its size is partly responsible for this. The viola has never hit the ideal size and indeed it varies in size more than the violin does. The viola’s tone is thicker and darker than the violin which makes it perfect for providing resonant solo passages in the middle of the orchestral range and the perfect antidote to the penetrating, crystal quality of the violin. It also blends particularly well with the clarinet and bassoon.