Arthur Edward Johnstone,
Instruments of the Modern Symphony Orchestra…
(1917)
“ In appearance and in the manner of holding and playing, the viola is essentially the same as the violin. It is, however, a trifle larger, and its longer, heavier strings are tuned a fifth lower than those of the violin. The lowest two—the C and the G—are wire-spun. The use of the viola as a solo instrument is rather rare, but its timbre (tone quality) , veiled and somewhat nasal, is admirably adapted to the rendition of strains where a certain quality of sadness prevails and where the more open and brilliant tone of the violin would be far less appropriate. ”
