Viola pomposa is a musical instrument miniature in size than the viola but larger than the violin. It was a popular instrument during the Baroque era but is rarely used today. This instrument is also known by many other names such as viola bastarda, violino pomposo, viola da spalla, and viola alta. The viola bastarda was a term used to describe a hybrid instrument that was similar to the viola but had characteristics of other instruments, such as the lute or guitar. The violino pomposo was a term used to describe an instrument that was similar to the violin but had a lower register. The viola da spalla was a term used to describe an instrument that was played on the shoulder, and the viola alta was a term used to describe a larger-sized viola.