Instruments of the Evening:
A Closer Look

Tonight’s program features instruments both unique and familiar—learn more about them here!

The first recognizable violins were made in the early 16th century in northern Italy. Compared to modern violins, typical violins from the 17th and 18th centuries (and their replicas) have shorter necks and lighter bass bars (internal bracing). The instruments were strung with gut, and lacked chin and shoulder rests. In addition, earlier bows were convex, as the concave bow was not developed until the late 18th century.

Combined with a “historically informed approach” to playing, Baroque violins generally have a “sweeter” and more intimate sound quality, with the bows suggesting a more articulated, almost speaking, manner of playing.

“Baroque” Violin

The viola da gamba, or viol, is a bowed and fretted string instrument that is played “on the leg,” or da gamba, as opposed to “on the shoulder” (da braccio) like the violin and its relatives. First appearing in Spain and Italy in the 15th century, the viol evolved from the Arabic rebab and the medieval vielle.

The bass viol used in tonight’s program often came in six or seven strings (the latter especially for French music). Similar to guitars, it is a fretted instrument tuned in fourths with a third in the middle. Unlike violin family instruments (violin, viola, cello), viols have flat backs and sometimes do not have sound posts, resulting in a lighter, more “buzzy” sound quality. In addition, viol bows are generally held underhanded.

Theorbo

The theorbo, a large instrument from the lute family, was often used in the Baroque era at various times and places as an accompanying instrument (playing basso continuo) or as a solo instrument.

Its distinctive extended neck and second pegbox allows for unfretted bass strings, which add to the instrument’s range, as well as a large and more resonant sound.