viola da gamba

The viola da gamba is a bowed, stringed musical instrument that was popular in chamber music from the 16th to 18th centuries. It is a member of the viol family and is characterized by its six strings, gut frets, and sloping shoulders. The name "viola da gamba" is Italian for "leg viol," referring to its playing position, where it rests on the knee or is held between the legs.1

The viola da gamba has a clear, ringing tone and was made in treble, tenor, and bass sizes. While the treble and tenor viols eventually declined in favor of the violin, the bass viol, or viola da gamba, maintained a role in Baroque music, often providing harmonic support. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the cello began to replace the bass viola da gamba as a solo instrument. Viols were revived in the 20th century for performances of early music.12