Viola
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Viola

Instrument information
NameViola
Other names ;  
Hornbostel-Sachs classification321.322-71
Related instruments*Violin family (violin, cello) *Viol family (includes double bass)
Musicians*List of violists

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The viola ( or -envaɪˈoʊlə) is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.

The casual observer may mistake the viola for the violin because of their similarity in size, closeness in pitch range (the viola is a perfect fifth below the violin), and nearly identical playing position. However, the viola's timbre sets it apart: its rich, dark-toned sonority is more full-bodied than the violin's. As its mellow voice is frequently used for playing inner harmonies, the viola does not enjoy the wide solo repertoire or fame of the violin.

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