Books › Chats on Violins, 1905 › scan 62
Scan 62
Chats on Violins, 1905
10 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 44. See the scan on archive.org.
1effect of playing behind their backs. A most flattering account of their performance is given by Pere Mersennus.
3He says:
5"Whoever hears the twenty-four fidicenists of the king with six barbitons (basses) to each part namely: bass-tenor counter-tenor, and treble must readily confess that there can be nothing sweeter or pleasanter."
7Many promising violinists made their début in Louis XIV. and Charles II.'s bands. I say violinists with confidence, for Cinderella, like the Violin, had commenced to make its appearance from the Brescian workshops when Viols were still in their zenith. Humbly it took its place amongst the Viol family, receiving small consideration and scanty admiration. Harsh in tone it was considered to destroy the delicate balance of the concerted viols, and to cover the piercing tone of the intruder, a greater number of Bass Viols were always added.
9Those who have heard the gentle tones of the Viol, will not wonder that ears accustomed to such a soothing sound could not appreciate the high pitch and roughness of the imperfect Violin. Thomas Mace, the Violist, and John
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