The viola, which plays the role of alto in the string family, has a more mellow tone than the violin. It is slightly bigger and heavier than the violin, but is held in the same way as the violin - to be gripped between the chin and shoulder.

HISTORY
The viola first emerged as an alto in the 1530's to support the violin's soprano voice. Up until the mid-1700s, the viola was played only in the orchestra. After that, it became important in chamber music and string quartets as well. In the last century, there have been a few solo violists, but it is still not regarded as a solo instrument.