The viola da gamba, literally "leg-viol"
in Italian, received its name because it is played between the
legs. Similar to the cello, the viola da gamba is a bowed string
instrument which first appeared in Europe in the late 15th century.
It has become one of the most popular Renaissance and Baroque
instruments. It is heard primarily in ensemble, or consort, music
in England. By c1540, Henry VIII had engaged a complete consort
of Italian players. It is also popular in the French courts as
an accompaniment to a solo singer. In Germany it is used both
as a solo instrument and as a part of an ensemble.
References:
Baines, Anthony. European & American Musical Instruments.
Viking Press, New York, 1966.
Buchner, Dr. Alexander (translated by Iris
Urwin). Musical Instruments Through the Ages. Batchworth
Press Limited, London, England, 1961.
Haas, Karl. Inside Music: How to understand, listen to,
and enjoy good music. Doubleday, New York, 1984. ISBN:
0-385-18536-7
Hindley, Geoffrey (ed.). The Larousse Encyclopedia of Music. Excalibur Books, New York, 1982.
Transporter
| Links | Chronology | Terms | Reference
| Credits | Feedback | Map
