The viola da gamba flourished in the Renaissance and Baroque eras with a titanic amount of solo, consort and continuo literature. As a double bassist, I find it invaluable to also study the viola da gamba to refine technique as well as access very gratifying solo literature that doesn't exist for the double bass. I also prefer it as a continuo instrument, as I'm not a fan of being left out/sitting still in performances until the final chorale (the majority of continuo parts do not include double bass). I play the bass viola da gamba in formal viol consorts and continuo settings, as well as for English Country Dance and historical re-enactments, which I find to be highly-valuable audience engagement. I began viola da gamba studies in 1979 with Wayne Moss, and continue to regularly study technique and solo literature with Tina Chancey (Hesperus, The Folger Consort). I'm Vice President of the local chapter of the Viola da Gamba Society America. My bass gamba is by Hannibale Fagnola, Turin, 1904.
The vielle is a medieval stringed instrument that is seen in iconography in numerous shapes, sizes and configurations. I have a graduate certificate in Medieval Music Performance Practice and play the vielle both solo and in medieval-music ensembles. My vielle is a 2021 commission from Matthew Farley of Poland.
The vielle is a medieval stringed instrument that is seen in iconography in numerous shapes, sizes and configurations. I have a graduate certificate in Medieval Music Performance Practice and play the vielle both solo and in medieval-music ensembles. My vielle is a 2021 commission from Matthew Farley of Poland.
FAQ:
Does being a multi-instrumentalist mean you fail to specialize? On the contrary - playing the related bass instruments allows me firsthand experience and context with literature, gut-string technique, thinking chordally, and a range of styles. It's a serious study and very long-term commitment, but I don't think of them as different instruments. They are all playing the bass.
Do you play the other viols? No - my practice time is maxed out!
Does being a multi-instrumentalist mean you fail to specialize? On the contrary - playing the related bass instruments allows me firsthand experience and context with literature, gut-string technique, thinking chordally, and a range of styles. It's a serious study and very long-term commitment, but I don't think of them as different instruments. They are all playing the bass.
Do you play the other viols? No - my practice time is maxed out!