Final answer:
The viola is a third below the second violin, meaning it plays notes an interval of a third lower in the music piece. If the violin plays a 'C', the viola would play an 'A' or 'A-flat' depending on whether it's a minor or major third.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of a chamber music ensemble, especially during the performance of a trio, the viola playing a third below the second violin means that the viola is producing notes that are an interval of a third lower than those being played by the second violin.
The viola is a third below the second violin, meaning it plays notes an interval of a third lower in the music piece. If the violin plays a 'C', the viola would play an 'A' or 'A-flat' depending on whether it's a minor or major third.
Intervals are the building blocks of music theory, and a third is a specific distance from one musical pitch to another, spanning three letter names. For example, if the second violin plays a note 'C', the viola would play the note 'A' to be a third below, assuming this is a minor third interval. If the interval is major, and the second violin plays a 'C', then the viola would play an 'A'‐flat.