Viola Campanica

The viola campaniça or viola alentejana was the musical instrument used to accompany the chants "à desgarrada", or the despique, in the parties and fairs of the Alentejo, in Portugal. Artimúsica's VA40S bell viola has a solid spruce top, simple solid walnut back and sides and a mahogany neck.

The Alentejo musical tradition is rich and intense, full of voice and feeling. The viola campaniça, also known as viola alentejana, is a beautiful and sometimes overlooked chordophone from the popular Portuguese tradition. With a bright and melodious sound, this instrument from the family of wire string violas served as an accompaniment to stray singing or at traditional festivals and fairs in the Alentejo.