Viola d'amore

Range viola damore

1997 Viola d’amore Benning Violin

Range viola damore

Viola d'amore 1

Viola d'amore 3

LouisVanWaefelghem BNF

Viola d'amore is a string instrument that belongs to the viola family. Unlike the modern viola, it has both vibrating strings that are played with a bow, and sympathetic strings that resonate with the vibrating strings. The viola d'amore typically has seven or six bowed strings, and an equal number of sympathetic strings running underneath the fingerboard. This unique configuration gives the instrument its characteristic warm and rich sound, often described as silvery or shimmering.

History

The origins of the viola d'amore are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have been most popular during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The instrument's design and number of strings varied greatly during its early history, reflecting the experimentation with musical timbres and textures of the period. The viola d'amore was especially favored in the Baroque era, where its ethereal sound was associated with themes of love and the angelic, hence the name "viola d'amore" or "viola of love."

Design and Construction

The body of the viola d'amore resembles that of the viola, but it is slightly larger and has a flat back. The headstock often features elaborate carvings, including a blindfolded head of Cupid, symbolizing love's blindness. The number of strings can vary, but seven bowed strings and seven sympathetic strings are common. The sympathetic strings are made of metal and run through the bridge but under the fingerboard to a second pegbox, creating a resonant echo to the sounds produced by the bowed strings.

The tuning of the viola d'amore is not standardized and can vary depending on the piece being played or the player's preference. However, a common tuning for the seven-stringed viola d'amore is A, D, G, C, E, A, d, with the sympathetic strings tuned to match the notes of the bowed strings or to a complementary scale.

Repertoire and Performance

The viola d'amore's repertoire includes both solo and chamber music, with notable compositions from Baroque composers such as Antonio Vivaldi, who wrote eight concerti for the instrument, and Johann Sebastian Bach, who included it in his St John Passion. However, as musical tastes and compositional styles changed, the viola d'amore fell out of favor in the classical period, leading to a decline in new compositions for the instrument.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the viola d'amore, with contemporary composers writing new works for it and performers exploring both historical and modern repertoire. The instrument is also taught in some conservatories and music schools, ensuring its continued presence in the classical music landscape.

Playing Technique

Playing the viola d'amore requires a technique similar to that of the viola, but players must also account for the additional sympathetic strings. The presence of these strings adds complexity to the instrument's sound production, as they can resonate sympathetically with both the bowed strings and external sounds. This unique feature allows for a wide range of expressive possibilities, from subtle harmonic enhancements to rich, layered textures.

Conclusion

The viola d'amore is a unique and enchanting instrument that embodies the spirit of the Baroque era while continuing to inspire musicians and composers today. Its distinctive sound, rich history, and the technical challenges it presents make it a fascinating subject of study and performance in the field of early music and beyond.