Editing Violin octet (section)

==Use in traditional roles==
The instruments of the violin octet do not necessarily have to be used in the context of the consort and for playing music written especially for them. They can also be used as alternatives to members of the usual [[violin family]]: for example any [[string quartet]] could be played by an ensemble consisting of two mezzo violins, one alto violin and one baritone violin, as an alternative to the two violins, viola and cello of the usual string quartet.

The best-known use of a member of the New Violin Family in this sort of role is that of an [[vertical viola|alto violin]] by [[Yo-Yo Ma]] to perform and record [[Béla Bartók]]'s [[Viola Concerto (Bartók)|Viola Concerto]].