The Viola: History, Heritage & How to Begin
Share
The viola is one of the most distinctive voices in classical music — rich, warm, and often described as the closest instrument to the human voice. Yet for all its beauty, it remains something of a mystery to many. Whether you're a curious listener or an aspiring player, this guide explores the viola's fascinating history, its indispensable role in the string quartet and orchestra, the players who made it famous, and how you can begin your own journey with it.
A Brief History of the Viola
The viola's origins trace back to the early 16th century in northern Italy, where instrument makers in Cremona and Brescia were developing the viol family. The viola da braccio — meaning 'arm viol' — was the forerunner of the modern viola, played resting on the shoulder rather than between the knees like the viol da gamba.
By the Baroque era, the viola had settled into its familiar form, though it was often treated as a filler instrument, tasked with doubling bass lines or filling out harmonies. It wasn't until the Classical period that composers began to recognise its expressive potential. Mozart was an enthusiastic viola player himself and wrote parts that gave the instrument genuine character. Beethoven pushed further still, and by the Romantic era, the viola had earned its place as a solo voice in its own right.
The 20th century brought a renaissance for the viola. Composers such as Bartók, Hindemith, and Britten wrote major works for it, and a new generation of virtuoso players proved that the instrument could hold its own on the concert stage.
The Viola in the String Quartet
In the string quartet — two violins, viola, and cello — the viola occupies the middle ground, both literally and musically. It sits between the brightness of the violins above and the depth of the cello below, providing harmonic warmth and rhythmic stability that holds the ensemble together.
The viola's role is often described as the 'glue' of the quartet. Without it, the texture becomes thin and exposed. With it, the sound gains body, colour, and a sense of completeness. In the hands of a skilled player, the viola's inner voice can be the most emotionally compelling line in the room — a fact that composers from Haydn to Shostakovich understood well.
Schubert's String Quintet in C major adds a second cello rather than a second viola, but his earlier string quartets show how sensitively he wrote for the instrument. Brahms, meanwhile, was a particular champion of the viola, and his two string sextets give the instrument some of its most beautiful writing in the chamber repertoire.
The Viola in the Orchestra
In the full orchestra, the viola section typically sits at the front of the strings, to the conductor's right, alongside the second violins. The section usually numbers between ten and fourteen players in a large symphony orchestra.
Orchestral viola writing ranges from sustained harmonic support to driving rhythmic figures and, increasingly in the Romantic and Modern repertoire, prominent melodic solos. Berlioz's Harold in Italy is perhaps the most celebrated orchestral work featuring the viola as a solo voice, written for the legendary Niccolò Paganini — though Paganini never actually performed it. Richard Strauss's Don Quixote features extended viola solos of great beauty, and Bartók's Viola Concerto, completed posthumously, stands as one of the instrument's crowning achievements.
Famous Viola Players
The viola has attracted some of the most thoughtful and technically gifted string players in history. Here are a few who helped define the instrument's identity:
William Primrose (1903–1982) — The Scottish-born virtuoso is widely regarded as the greatest viola player of the 20th century. His tone, technique, and musicianship set a standard that still resonates today. Bartók wrote his Viola Concerto for Primrose.
Lionel Tertis (1876–1975) — The English pioneer who almost single-handedly elevated the viola to solo status in Britain. Tertis transcribed dozens of works for the instrument and inspired a generation of players and composers to take it seriously.
Yuri Bashmet (born 1953) — The Russian virtuoso brought the viola to new international audiences from the 1970s onwards, commissioning major new works and performing with the world's leading orchestras.
Tabea Zimmermann (born 1966) — One of the finest viola players of the modern era, the German musician is celebrated for her interpretations of the core repertoire and her commitment to contemporary music.
Lawrence Power (born 1977) — A leading British viola player of his generation, Power is known for his expressive playing and wide-ranging repertoire, from Baroque to newly commissioned works.
The Viola vs. the Violin: What's the Difference?
The viola is larger than the violin — typically between 15 and 17 inches in body length — and is tuned a perfect fifth lower. Its four strings are tuned C–G–D–A, compared to the violin's G–D–A–E. The lower tuning gives the viola its characteristic dark, resonant tone, and the instrument uses a slightly heavier bow and a different clef (the alto clef, also known as the C clef) in its written music.
Because of its size, the viola requires a slightly different physical approach than the violin, and players need to develop strength and flexibility in the left hand. That said, many violinists double on viola, and the transition — while requiring adjustment — is very manageable with the right guidance and the right instrument.
Starting Your Viola Journey
If the viola has captured your imagination, the most important first step is getting the right instrument. A well-made student outfit — one that plays in tune, responds well, and is properly set up — makes an enormous difference to early progress and enjoyment.
The Stentor Student I Viola Outfit is an excellent starting point for beginners. Stentor has been producing quality student instruments for decades, and the Student I range is trusted by teachers and music services across the UK. The outfit includes everything a new player needs to get started: the viola itself, a bow, a case, and rosin. The instrument is well-constructed, properly set up, and produces a genuine viola tone that will support a student through their early grades and beyond.
Browse our full range of violas — including the Stentor Student I Viola Outfit — in our Violas collection. If you're unsure which size is right for you or your child, our team is always happy to advise. The correct size is determined by arm length, and getting it right from the start makes playing far more comfortable and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
The viola is an instrument of extraordinary depth — historically rich, harmonically essential, and capable of a singing tone that few instruments can match. Whether you're drawn to its role in the heart of the string quartet, its growing solo repertoire, or simply the warmth of its sound, there has never been a better time to explore what the viola has to offer.
And if you're ready to begin, the Stentor Student I Viola Outfit is a fine place to start.