Introducing the Viola da Gamba

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'The fact that you're in direct contact with the hair means you can feel the string quite literally through your fingers...it gives you a very intimate contact with sound production.'

Our Principal cello, Jonathan Manson, introduces us to the Viola da Gamba, or the Bass Viol as it is known in English.

[richsackett]

Finally an instrument perfect for the small rooms in my palace.

[herbcraven]

As a lifelong cellist, I've always been curious about the Viola Da Gamba. Thank you for a wonderful demonstration of its unique capabilities!

[falouerba]

In Italian it means “The Viola of Leg”

[andrewb]

As a cellist for 25 years+ in orchestras etc, I've always had a hard time describing that you can't just hire me alone for a wedding. There is no counter part...I need a violin, or a pianist to accompany me. No one understands. This instrument provides the necessary dynamic to perform as a true soloist. Recently, I've taken up guitar to fill that void. Because of it's rare nature, it would be difficult/impossible to find a tutor for this instrument locally. But if I could...I think I'd nail it. It would fill a void needed in my life personally. Fantastic video...why this isn't more prevalent is beyond me.

[jiafeiskinnyproducts]

Must be hell when you start, imagine learning how to not bump into any of the other strings.

[traceysedlakova]

Took my kid to the museum of music here in Prague, and he fell in love with the sound of the viola da gamba. So fascinating... thank you!

[olin]

I feel so blessed to play the viol, definitely one of the most beautiful instrument meant for one of the most beautiful music ever written

[morgant]

This instrument takes all the hard parts of playing cello and makes them easier. Hate playing high because it means going up the fingerboard? No problem, here have 3 extra strings! Hate playing chords because it's hard to get all the strings at once and stretch your fingers to make them in tune? No problem, here have a flatter bridge and closer together strings! Hate worrying about your intonation and having to avoid open strings? Here have some gut string frets that will make all your notes in tune, and don't worry about open strings because guess what: now all notes are open strings! It makes me wonder why we kept the cello 😂

[josephle]

Creator: so how many strings do you want?



The guy: yes

[barney]

I shall take my hat off to this virtuoso/artist without hesitation. A beautiful and brilliant presentation on an istrument that truly plays from the heart, to the heart. Especially by such a master musician as Jonathan Manson. What an incredible privelage it is for us music lovers to learn from such artists, who have worked and sacrificed, with much love, to develop such skill and bridge that gap between people's hearts. i shall go out and buy a dozen more hats and take them off too.

[simontoth]

Funnily enough, 4 months after the video, I'm starting on the Gamba today. I'm a classical bassist originally and I love this tiny thing that fits in my lap!

[Lira_man]

Great introduction to this great instrument. This guy is truly a master. All of his movements testify the dedication and countless hours of practice.

[graced]

ok but when did cello scrolls stop looking like ship figureheads? that’s so cool

[Toasttoasttoasttoast]

The viol family is really unique and versatile, I’m surprised it died out and I’m disappointed it’s such a rare type of instrument, I’d never heard of it before I got interested in how different baroque instruments are from modern day variants

[vicbanks]

Aside from such an articulate explanation of the instrument, I've never seen anyone so physically engaged in the bowing and sound production of a stringed instrument, jazz bass cello included. It's so different and dramatic. Now I'm looking for Viola da Gamba pieces to listen to. Many thanks for the stellar presentation!

[MrAristaeus]

I know a few ‘vile tenors’... but not many ‘tenor viols’.

[mcmh]

Classic example of "looks weird, sounds great".

[anthonycarlisle]

Always heard it pronounced "vee ole" new to me hearing it as "vile"

[vfvico]

the pinnacle achievement in Western string instruments, IMO, beautifully explained and played. thank you for this!

[jeremymikush]

Ah! It would be a dream to learn this instrument. So resonant and brilliant in a soft and supple way, gah!... I mean it's simply such a sexy sound (to me!). What a wonderful series. Thanks!