Scan 344
THE AMERICAN HISTORY AND ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MUSIC, 1910
12 lines. Read by computer on 15 September 2026. Printed page 232. See the scan on archive.org.
1produce the low and high notes. The frets on the neck did not allow the fingers of the left hand to move quickly in stopping the strings.
3The viols were found in different sizes, and to each size was assigned a part of the harmony, such as soprano, alto, or bass. The different sizes were known under many names. The violone was pitched an octave below the bass and reinforced it. The violin was the soprano instrument reduced in size and improved when the ff holes assumed their present shape and the bridge was lowered. A more complete idea of the viol will be gained by referring to the article on the viola.
5VIOLA — Bowed Strings. Europe. Although referred to as the tenor violin, its pitch is more that of the alto, but the size of the old tenor viol made it less easy to handle than the alto and it fell into disuse. The size of the viola permits it to fit into the crook of the arm when that member is bent at an angle of about 120 degrees. It has been in use as long as the violin, for Gaspar da Salo, who reduced the size of the treble viol to that of the violin, made violas, as did also the Amatis.
7The viola has a construction exactly like that of the violin, but is a fifth larger, and is pitched a fifth lower. The French name quinte is derived from this peculiarity. The strings of the viola are heavier than those of the violin. They are of catgut, the lower two being overspun with wire.
9The viola does not have a method particularly its own, and the fingering is much like that of the violin, although the greater length of the neck increases the distance between the fingers of the left hand as they stop the strings, and much practise is necessary to assure proficiency. The music for the viola is found in the C clef with the high notes in the G clef.
11The tone blends well with the others of the orchestra, and its duty of carrying the third part in the stringed quartet is often laid aside that the viola may double the first or second violins. The upper strings are capable of pro-
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.