Viola

The viola is the bigger relative of the violin and while superficially they may look the same the viola's tone is markedly different to the smaller instrument, which resides between a violin and the cello. The viola's initial role was to provide harmonic support to the higher pitch of the violin, consequently its role as a solo or virtuoso instrument was neglected or diminished. The viola rose to prominence in the nineteenth century; Berlioz's Harold in Italy (1834) is a popular work for orchestra and viola obliggato depicting the eponymous hero. Many works in the violin literature have also been transcribed for the violin. In the 20th century there were a number of notable violists who enjoyed successful performing and recording careers - Lionel Tertis and William Primrose are two examples. In the 21st century Yuri Bashmet is widely regarded as the greatest living player of the viola.