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The viola is a form of bowed string musical instrument, and it is sometimes called the “big fiddle”. It is similar in construction and material to the violin, but it is larger in size. It is regarded as the violin family’s middle-range instrument, lower-pitched than the violin and higher-pitched than the cello. The instrument’s larger sound box and thicker strings enable it to create a distinctive deep and mellow sound. Although it has the same construction as the violin, the viola is played with a different technique. Its strings are longer and less responsive, and players have to use different fingerings and bowing techniques.

Here are links to websites that contain information about the history of the viola:

The Role of the Viola in Pre-20^th Century Music

• The Viola: An overview of the viola, including history, description, and sounds.
• History of the Viola: Learn about the origin and evolution of the viola in this web page.
• Viola in the 16^th to 20^th Century: Brief history of the development of the viola from the 16^th century to the 20^th century.
• Viola Invented and Ignored: A document that relates how the viola was invented and then ignored until the 20^th century.
• Evolution of the Viola: Excellent description of the various changes that were made to the viola over time.
• The Viola in the Classical Era: This article reveals how the viola was used in orchestra music during the classical era.
• Viola d’Amore Background: Discover the origins of the viola d’amore by reading this document.
• History of the Viola d’Amore: Document that traces the invention and evolution of the viola d’amore.
• Origin of Viola da Gamba: Concise account of the early history of the viola da gamba.
• Famous Viola Players: Some of the well-known violists in history.
• Composers and the Viola: Find out which great composers in the past contributed to the popularity of the viola.
• Viola and Violists: Discussion on the achievements of famous violists throughout history.
• Viola in Bach Concerto: An article that discusses J. S. Bach’s concerto for violin and viola.
• “Op. 42 Notturno for Viola and Piano in D”: Read this document to find out how Beethoven scored the “Op. 42 Notturno for Viola and Piano in D”.
• Best Viola Players: List of the finest viola players of all time.
• Notes on Viola Pieces: Excellent discourse on well-known viola pieces by Bach, Schumann, and Hindemith.
• How the Viola has Changed?: Summary of the various modifications that were done to the viola over the years.

The Role of the Viola in 20^th Century Music

• Viola Then and Now: Find out how the role of the viola in orchestra music has changed over the years.
• Brahms and the Viola: This document reveals how Brahms featured the viola prominently in his compositions.
• Lionel Tertis: Biography of Lionel Tertris, the first great viola virtuoso.
• William Primrose: Article that relates the life and achievements of William Primrose, one of the finest violists in the 20^th century.
• Walter Trampler: Biography of prominent 20^th century violist Walter Trampler.
• Joseph de Pasquale: An account of the illustrious career of famous violist Joseph de Pasquale.
• Paul Hindemith: Timeline of the life and career of Paul Hindemith, a legendary composer and violist.
• Noboku Imai: One of the greatest contemporary viola players.
• Lawrence Power: An account of the achievements of Larwence Power, a famous viloist of today.

The Role of the Viola in Modern and Pop Music

• Important Violists: Information about important violists throughout history, including violists in pop and rock music.
• Electric Viola: Videos in this website show how the electric viola is used for playing various types of music, including modern music.
• John Cale Interview: An interesting interview with Velvet Underground founder John Cale, an accomplished viola player.
• The Viola Joke: This document explains why the viola is often the target of jokes among orchestra musicians today.

Sheet Music for the Viola

• Viola Sheet Music Library: This online library contains several free music sheets for viola players.
• Free Viola Sheet Music: More than 70 viola pieces that can be downloaded for free.
• Viola Transcriptions: Music transcriptions for viola and other instruments.
• The Viola Archive: An archive of printable viola music sheets.
• Viola PDF Sheet Music: A wonderful collection of sheet music for classical viola.
• Beginner Viola Sheet Music: Transcriptions of simple songs for beginner violists.
• Sheet Music for Viola: Several free transcriptions for viola. 
• “Happy Birthday”: “Happy Birthday” music sheet for viola.
• “Pop Goes the Weasel”: Music sheet for playing “Pop Goes the Weasel” with viola.
• Classical Viola Sheet Music: Hundreds of music sheets for playing classical viola pieces.