Mmm, I'd heard that it was harder, not easier, esp with size. Still, it would be hard to judge properly as someone who's come from violin to a very similar instrument is bound to find that 2nd one easier and vice versa as well. I daresay it's just the orchestral parts that are often easier.

There is a lot of very good music for viola or for a group incorporating one. If I could play the viola* I would want to play string quartets and quintets (especially Haydn and Mozart) regularly. If I had become a good enough player, I would have moved on to Beethoven (Op 95 onward), Debussy (4tet and trio for fl, va, hp), Ravel (4tet and "Introduction and Allegro), Bartok, Shostakovich and Elizabeth Maconchy, and also tried some of the sonata (Shostakovich!) and concerto (Walton!) repertoire. Fortunately, I can get into some of the bigger chamber groups (e.g. Schubert and Spohr Octets, the latter needing two violas) on bass; also the Mozart Horn Quintet (which also needs two violas) on horn. Considering the enormous repertoire of string chamber music, much of it incorporating some of the best music of its composers, I am surprised that we hear so little about it on this forum.

* I did try, 50 years ago, but found that my left arm could not spiral around the instrument and leave me any freedom in wrist and finger joints. I never considered violin.

Yeah, but this one hits a bit close to home:
Q. What's the most common thing a musician says at work?





A. "...Would you like fries with that" haha

I didn't read through all of the replies but here's my bit (sorry if it's already been said):

What's the difference between a Viola and a Trampoline?...


You take your shoes off to jump on a trampoline!!!

All (bowed) string instruments give me the shivers if I think about the scratchy dusty bow part - eek - just like chalk on a blackboard - or rubbing two bits of polystyrene together. (runs and hides)