by magnuscanis
In response to the question of whether the violin and viola are the same musical instruments, the answer is both yes and no.
The viola is larger in physical size and has longer string lengths compared to the violin. Furthermore, the viola is usually strung with thicker strings than the violin. The thicker strings of the viola require more pressure to be applied with the bow to produce sound.
However, the materials used and the construction methods for both instruments are similar. Unlike the violin, there are no standardized models for a full-size viola. Viola makers have long experimented with various models and shapes for the viola, but many of their efforts have been unsuccessful. Increasing the size and style of the viola’s body often results in a deeper tone, more akin to that of a cello.
Some recent innovations aim to make the viola shorter and lighter while maintaining its traditional sound.
In context, the violin is the highest pitched instrument of the violin family, which includes the viola, the cello, and the double bass. The viola can be considered the second highest pitched member of the violin family. The viola plays a key role in the symphony, although its solo repertoire is limited.
While the violin and viola share similarities in shape and color, the sounds they produce are different, yet both are equally pleasing. As for the bow, a straight 90-degree angle at the end held by the player indicates a violin bow, while a 90-degree angle with a curved corner and a heavier weight is a viola bow.
Regarding the strings, the violin has an E string and no C string, whereas the viola has a C string and no E string. In terms of pitch, the violin has a high e-string, while the viola has a lower c-string.
Music experts agree that violins generally play higher pitched parts of music, while violas play the lower pitched parts. However, the techniques involved are very similar for both instruments and require the same level of training and practice to achieve proficiency.
When deciding whether to learn the violin or the viola, consider the size of your hand. Those with larger hands may find the viola more suitable, while those with smaller hands may find playing the viola inconvenient. If you want to stand out and be noticed in a concert, the violin is the obvious choice. However, if you are quiet, unassuming, and passionate, the viola may be the perfect instrument for you.
Whether you choose the violin or viola, a skilled and knowledgeable teacher is essential for learning. Since there are fewer viola players, finding a good viola teacher in your area may be challenging, whereas locating a professional violin teacher may be easier. However, if you aim to make it big in music, learning the viola may be the right choice due to the limited number of skilled viola players available.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
In my opinion they are not the same instruments. They may looks similar and be played in a similar manner but the similarity stops there. If for example during a concert a member of an orchestra breaks his violin, he wouldn’t say “pass me that viola quickly!!” – because It can not produce the same sound . If this you summarised it best when you went on the describe That : “To put things in proper perspective, the violin is the highest pitched instrument of the entire violin family that includes the viola, the cello, and the double bass” as a member of a family it must an entity all of its own.
Great post
Hello Paul! all very reasonable, thanks for the comment!