The viola, or bowed viola, is the contralto bowed string instrument of the orchestra. Morphologically, it resembles a violin but has slightly larger proportions (with a soundbox typically between 38 and 43 centimeters in length). It has four strings tuned in perfect fifths (C, G, D, A), positioned exactly a fifth below the violin and an octave above the cello.
Acoustically, the sound comes from the friction of the bow on the strings. The acoustics of the viola are defined by an unavoidable physical compromise: to be played comfortably on the shoulder, its size has historically remained restricted. Consequently, its soundbox is too small to amplify the lowest frequencies of the C string with full efficiency. This structural peculiarity gives the viola an unmistakable timbre, dark, veiled, and slightly nasal, contrasting intensely with the bright and penetrating projection of the violin.
Historically, the viola emerged in northern Italy during the 16th century, along with the rest of the violin family. Although once frequently relegated to mere orchestral harmonic filler, its status emancipated during the Classical period through chamber music. In the 20th century, it definitively established itself as a robust and expressive solo concert instrument.
Teachers
Courses with this instrument
Born in São Paulo, Caio Oshiro completed his Bachelor's degree in Viola Performance at the Faculdade de Artes Santa Marcelina (São Paulo), a Post-graduate degree in Performance (viola variant) at ESART, and a Master's degree in Music Teaching (viola and ensemble class variant) also at ESART in 2017. During this academic path, he was taught by professors Alexandre Razera, Peter Pas, and António Pereira. Throughout his career, he attended masterclasses with professors such as Ori Kam, Kikuei Ikeda, Rainer Moog, Jessica Bodner, Hartmut Rhode, Jennifer Stumm, Cristophe Desjardins, Anabela Chaves, among others.
As a violist, they were a member of several orchestras in Brazil (São Paulo State Youth Orchestra, the USP Chamber Orchestra, and the Experimental Repertoire Orchestra); as well as collaborating with orchestras in Europe such as the Orquestra do Algarve, the Portuguese Chamber Orchestra, and the Franco-German Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. They performed as a chamber musician as a member of the Candle Trio and the Ethos Quartet and, as a soloist, performed with orchestras such as the Porto Seguro Orchestra and the L’Estro Armonico Orchestra. Currently, they teach at the Conservatório de Música de Loulé - Francisco Rosado.