Why Purple?

It Is The Color For Viola.

The Viola is an awesomely unique bowed string played upright like a Violin… but larger.

With the same strings as a Cello… but an octave higher.

The tone of the Viola is lush, velveteen & dark…

Much like the vocal range associated with the clef we play in, Alto.

However, many describe the visual embodiment of the Viola’s timbre as… Purple.

Here’s a few examples of the Viola-Purple Connection:

• It is the color associated with Violists studying the Suzuki Viola School Method.

• The Viola shares its name with the Viola genus of flowers which includes Violets.  Violet is a shade of purple.

• Composer, Joan Tower, has written works for Viola Solo that include the color purple in the title to describe the instrument’s enigmatic sound such as “Wild Purple” and “Purple Rhapsody”.

• In this studio, we say “Let Purple Reign” to show our Viola pride and affection for our beloved instruments.

• Also, Purple is the color of royalty… hence “Reign.”

• And yes, the tagline is also a play on the hit by Prince, “Purple Rain.”  I think we all miss him☹

To learn more about the Viola, check out the Ted Talk below.