Violas

As Printed on a Score

Labels the viola section’s staff (Violas, Vlas. later), placed between the second violins and the cellos. Viola parts are written in alto clef, switching to treble clef for high passages; div. and unis. divide and reunite the section.

Abbreviations: Vlas.

How Composers Use It

The viola sounds as written, from the C below middle C upward, with a dark, veiled middle register that bridges violins and cellos. It is often a harmony instrument, but its C string has genuine body and its upper register a plaintive tone — Tchaikovsky opens the 1812 Overture with solo violas and cellos. Use alto clef consistently, and since the section is smaller than the violins, do not bury its melodies.

Example

Tchaikovsky, 1812 Overture, Op. 49, solo cello part, m. 1: a footnote reads “If the makeup of the orchestra allows, it is desirable that this passage be performed by 8 cellos and 4 violas, 2 on each part.”

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