But, when we look at the many passages in which the violas double the basses, we shall do well to consider whether there is room in the harmonic scheme for the violas to do anything else, and whether the effect would not be thin without them.
Already Mozart divides his violas into two parts quite as often as he makes them play with the basses.
In Der Ring des Nibelungen Wagner specifies the proportions of the string-band as 16 first and 16 second violins, 12 violas, 12 violoncellos, 8 double basses.
Although he specializes in blues and rag-time guitars he also makes a mean range of other instruments including mandolins, electrics and basses.
Basses are charitable people, but their charity does not extend so far as tenors, whom they consider effete poseurs.