Is a viola a alto?

Since the 18th century, it has been the middle or alto voice of the violin family, between the violin (which is tuned a perfect fifth above) and the cello (which is tuned an octave below). Music for the viola differs from most other instruments in that it primarily uses the alto clef.

Is there an alto violin?

The traditional violin family—consisting of violin, viola, cello, and bass—have acoustic characteristics and construction that differ from one another. The alto violin is tuned like a viola, but has a larger body. It is typically played upright like a cello. The serial number of this instrument is SUS 136.

How are the violas different than the violins?

So what are the differences between a viola and violin? The most obvious difference you’ll notice when you place a violin and viola next to each other is their size. The viola is bigger, with an average body length of between 15.5 and 16.5 inches for adults, compared to the violin which is between 13 and 14 inches.

Are violas and violins the same thing?

he most obvious difference between the violin and viola is the size. The viola is larger than the violin. Both instruments come in numerous sizes: the viola in four, and the violin in nine. The smallest viola is, in fact, much smaller than a full-sized violin at just 30 centimetres (12 inches) long.

Can you play viola like a cello?

The vertical viola, or alto violin, is a stringed instrument with the range of a viola that is played vertically in the manner of a cello. The standard viola is about as big as can conveniently be played under the chin.

Is a fiddle a viola?

The Fiddle, Violin, and Viola come from the same family of bowed string instruments and are all very similar. In fact, these musical instruments are so similar many insist there is no difference, especially when talking about the fiddle vs violin.

Is the viola older than the violin?

The origin of the viola Nobody knows for sure where and when the first viola was created. However, it is known for a fact that the instrument was in use in northern Italy around the same time as its cousin, the violin (i.e. the first half of the 16th century).

What is the lowest string instrument?

double bass
The double bass is the biggest and lowest pitched instrument in the string family. The deep, very low sounds of the double bass are often used to help hold together the harmonies and to help carry the rhythm. There are 6-8 double basses in an orchestra. A standard double bass is just over 6 feet in length.