Viola n. (Mus.) An instrument in form and use resembling the violin, but larger, and a fifth lower in compass. Viola da braccio, the tenor viol, or viola, a fifth lower than the violin. Its part is written in the alto clef, hence it is sometimes called the alto.
Viola da gamba, an instrument resembling the viola, but larger, and held between the knees. It is now rarely used.
Viola da spalla, an instrument formerly used, resembling the viola, and intermediate in size between the viola and the viola da gamba.
Viola di amore, a viol, larger than the viola, having catgut strings upon, and brass or steel wires under, the keyboard. These, sounding sympathetically with the strings, yield a peculiarly soft and silvery sound. It is now seldom used.
