How About Learning Some Fascinating Facts About The Viola Instrument?

By Author: micheljordan4
Total Articles: 272
Comment this article

The viola belongs to the violin or stringed instrument family. However, unlike its oh-so-famous brothers and sisters, not many of us are familiar with it. Are you interested in learning the viola, or are just curious about this musical instrument?

Without much ado, let us delve deeper into knowing this unique stringed cousin of the violin. However, before getting started, it is crucial to keep in mind that every viola owner should make sure to have an adequate amount of musical instrument insurance in place, no matter what.

History of Viola’s Origin

Let us start with leafing back through the pages of history when and how violas first saw the light on the Earth.

The present-day violas originated back in the mid-16th century. The viola was created and played for the first time in the Northern part of Italy. Although some conceptions about the viola are unclear, two people, Gaspare da Salo and Andrea Amati from Brescia and Cremona, respectively, contributed highly to the creation of violas.

You probably know that the names of the members of the string family are derived from the phrase viola ...
... da braccio. In Italian, it means on the arms. This phrase is used to differentiate between the viol and violin.

The Unique Way of Crafting the Viola

The process the artisans use to craft a traditional viola is still the same as before. The one thing that makes this musical instrument unique is - it needs different types of carefully selected pieces and materials to craft a viola to maximize the output and performance of the same.

● The top of this musical gear is made using spruce wood.
● The neck, rips, and back use maple or ebony wood because the variants of woods render a distinctive beauty to the viola while adding to its durability and sturdiness.
● Before the string instrument is varnished, the pieces are made and attached together with the help of glue. Then, the strings (four in number), the bridge, the tailpiece, and the chinrest (optional) are added.

Strengthen Your Arms While Creating a Bright Career

Although the viola is a bit larger than the typical violins, there is a significant difference in the weights of these two musical instruments. As the former is also heavier than the latter, they are capable of strengthening your arms.

Moreover, the style of playing the viola is pretty intricate. So, it works wonders on your muscles, including wrists, triceps, biceps, and fingers. Therefore, a large number of parents encourage their kids to learn to play the viola.

However, still, it is one of the most underrated musical instruments. It has a plus side too. When the number of players is less, the competition will also be less. Right? Therefore, it is likely to offer a more promising career option. The most important thing - all viola players and owners must buy Viola Insurance for the safety and security of their musical instruments and, of course, their finances.

The middle ground pitches

Do you know what makes the viola stand out in the crowd of other stringed musical instruments? This musical gear has got a unique pitch. The pitch of the viola is around one octave higher than the cello. Therefore, it does not produce a mournful sound like the cello. Also, its pitch is one fifth below than the violin. So, its tone is also earthier. Therefore, many musicians consider the viola as the middle path.

The most expensive viola

If you are planning to purchase a viola, do remember that this cousin of the violin is slightly pricier than its counterparts. The reason? There go years of experience, care, eye for detail, and craftsmanship to carve out the viola. Do you know the price of the most expensive viola ever sold and who made it? One of the master luthiers of the world, Stradivarius MacDonald one, made the most expensive viola. It was sold for a whopping $45 million.

So, if you have purchased a viola, make sure to get it the comprehensive protection of a dedicated Viola Insurance plan.

Dear reader, a musical instrument insurance plan may seem unimportant in the first place. However, if, unfortunately, bad luck strikes, it would be the first thing to come to your rescue.