vielle

The vielle is a medieval bowed string instrument from Western Europe, belonging to the early family that led to later viols and violins. It was widely used from roughly the 10th through the 15th centuries and appears in many medieval secular and religious contexts. The instrument is often associated with medieval dancers and troubadours, and it played a key role in early ensemble music alongside other strings, wind instruments, and voices. Note that the term vielle can also refer in some contexts to the vielle à roue (hurdy-gurdy), a distinct wheel-driven instrument.

Construction and design principles vary by region, but typical vielle forms have a rounded, somewhat flat back, a short neck, and a body carved from wood. The instrument commonly carries four or five gut strings, with a melody string supplemented by one or more drone or accompaniment strings. Some examples used fretted necks while others relied on unfretted fingerings. The instrument was played with a bow, often an elongated, slightly curved stick with horsehair, similar in use to later fiddles.

Playing technique and repertoire centered on melodic line work, with occasional drone support and double stops. The vielle was employed in both solo and ensemble contexts, used to accompany songs, dances, and instrumental pieces. Much of the surviving material is documentary or iconographic, and modern performers reconstruct tunes and styles from medieval sources and comparative practice in related instruments.

In later centuries the vielle declined as newer bowed and plucked instruments emerged. A revival occurred in the 20th century within the early music movement, with contemporary makers producing reconstructions and performers exploring medieval repertoire. Related instruments include the vielle à roue (hurdy-gurdy), which shares historical roots but functions as a distinct instrument.