In these clips, Michael Turner of the Philharmonia Orchestra discusses some of the things composers should consider when writing chords for the viola:
clip 1 -
Michael shows how some, seemingly simple chords will be impossible to play.
clip 2 -
Four note chords - it helps to have an open string at the bottom.
Chord Types
Chord Types
A chord is two or more notes played together and on the viola you can play two, three or four note chords. Chords can be open strings played together, fingered notes or a mixture of open and stopped strings. A two note chord is called a double stop. Three and four note chords are called triple and quadruple stops. ...[more]
A chord is two or more notes played together and on the viola you can play two, three or four note chords. Chords can be open strings played together, fingered notes or a mixture of open and stopped strings. A two note chord is called a double stop. Three and four note chords are called triple and quadruple stops. ...[more]