Viola history
A brief overview of viola history

The origins of the viola

Like the violin, the viola evolved directly from the viola da braccio and because of the fact that the Italian word violino is a derivative of viola, some believe that the viola may have appeared slightly before the violin. Viola da braccia means, the “viola played in the arms”, in German, “Bratsche”, which is still used today along with viola. The name viola was however, for a long time used to refer to Western classical string instruments in general, and the viola itself was referred to as the “alto-tenor violin”.

The viola was ignored

The viola has been ignored most of the time by both luthiers and composers standing in the shadow of its brother, the violin. Even though Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who wrote in the 1700’s, were accomplished violists, the viola primarily played bass line up until the 20th century. Composers found it too difficult to write for and the viola was for a long time considered both clumsy and uncomfortable to play. Many believe that the viola still has to reach its optimum potential.

The development of the viola

Through time, some luthiers and violinists did make attempts to develop the viola, but they were not very successful. Nonetheless, Hermann Ritter is seen as the most successful violinist to contribute to viola architecture and the modern school of viola playing. In the 20th century the most original development ever, was made by the English violist Lionel Tertis in collaboration with celebrated viola makers, as he presented his 1930’s ‘Tertis Model’ viola.

Famous viola maker

In the 1500’s Gaspara da Salo, who was a maker of cellos and other instruments in the violin family, was one of the first to be famous for his violas.