Books › Chats on Violins, 1905 › scan 66
Scan 66
Chats on Violins, 1905
8 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 48. See the scan on archive.org.
1Viola d'Amore: a development of the treble member of the Viola da Braccio class. This was and is a most beautiful instrument. It had six or seven gut strings and sensitive wire strings beneath.
3In Germany this instrument was much favoured, its exquisite arpeggios making an effective accompaniment to the singing voice. At the present day it courts both admirers and executants. Meyerbeer uses it as an accompaniment to the romance sung in the first act of the Huguenots.
5Viola Pomposa: invented by Sebastian Bach about 1720. This resembled a small violoncello. The tuning was the same as our modern 'cello, with the addition of an upper sixth. Mastin Hoffmann, a Leipzig fiddle-maker, constructed this instrument under Bach's directions.
7Viola di Bordone or Barytone: resembled the Viola da Gamba in shape and size. It had six and seven strings, and a double finger-board and bridge. The gut strings passed over one bridge and finger-board, and the wire strings passed over the second. This instrument was greatly in favour in Germany during the latter part of the sixteenth century. Joseph Hayden com-
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