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Introduction	Orchestration	Orchestration	Resources	Historical	Andrew Hugill
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VIOLA

Section: Strings
Transposing? No

Construction
Range
Bowing
Plucking
Left Hand
Mute/Harmonics
Chords
Extended
Player's Tips and Tricks

Links

 

Michael Turner (Viola, Philharmonia Orchestra)

The viola is the alto voice of the string family. It is larger than the violin, but no less capable of variety and range of material, dynamics and articulation. A typical symphony orchestra will have twelve violas seated two to a 'desk' (although numbers do vary).

Use the links on the left to navigate through the viola pages.
The icon will launch a movie of Michael Turner explaining a relevant point of viola technique.
The icon will give an audio clip, which will either play automatically or open a new window.
The icon will play an illustrative music example from the Philharmonia's recorded archive.

Be sure to visit the 'player's tips and tricks' section for some very useful advice about aspects of viola writing.