Definition of viola

The word "viola" originally comes from the Italian word "viola da gamba," which translates to "viola of the leg" in English. This name was given to the instrument due to its large size and the way it was traditionally held between the player's legs, similar to the way a cello is held. The term "viola da gamba" was coined in the Renaissance era, specifically in the 16th century. Back then, there were different kinds of viols with different names, depending on their sizes and tunings. The category "viola da gamba" included instruments that were between the size of a cello (also known as a "violone") and a tenor or alto viol. The name "viola" itself became more commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries, as the modern-day viola emerged as a distinct instrument with a lower, deeper register than the violin. At first, the viola was not seen as a separate instrument, but rather as a larger version of the violin. This led to implications that the viola was more difficult to play compared to the violin, as it required more force to produce a rich sound. However, experienced violists have shown that the viola can be an incredibly versatile instrument with a unique role to play in symphonic music. Overall, the word "viola" has undergone many changes throughout history, from being a specific instrument with a unique playing style, to being commonly used to describe a variety of viols, to representing a specific type of orchestral instrument with a distinct range of notes. Its origins may be somewhat obscure, but the viola's place in music history and the modern-day orchestra is undeniably important.