viols

Viols, or viola da gamba family, are a group of bowed string instruments that flourished in Renaissance and Baroque Europe. They are typically fretted, have gut strings, a flat-backed body, and are held between the legs while playing, in contrast to the violin family held on the shoulder. The family includes treble, alto (or tenor), and bass members, commonly produced in six-string form, though seven-string and other sizes existed. The design emphasizes a mellow, legato tone suitable for ensemble consorts and continuo music.

Construction and playing characteristics vary by size but share a common approach: a fretted neck enabling precise intonation, a fitted bridge and a bow optimized for smooth, connected phrasing. Tuning generally follows arrangements of fourths with a central third, and string courses and gut strings contribute to a warm, nuanced timbre. Viols are used both in consort settings and as solo instruments with continuo accompaniment.

Repertoire and influence: The viol was central to late Renaissance and Baroque music, especially in France and England. French composers Marin Marais and Sainte-Colombe expanded virtuosic and expressive possibilities for viols. In Germany, Johann Sebastian Bach composed for viola da gamba and continuo (notably BWV 1027–1029). The instrument supported intricate polyphony in consort music, as well as intimate solo and chamber works.

Decline and revival: The viol declined with the rise of the violin family in the 18th century. A 20th-century revival, led by practitioners such as Arnold Dolmetsch, revived interest in historically informed performance. Today, viols appear in early-m music ensembles, scholarly study, and some contemporary compositions, with modern builders offering six- and seven-string models.