viola d’amore

musical instrument

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July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The viola d'amore is a musical instrument that originated in the 18th century. It is a hybrid of the viol and violin families. This instrument typically features six or seven melody strings, along with several sympathetic strings that resonate to enhance its sound. The name "viola d'amore" translates from Italian to "viol of love". It is played similarly to a violin.123

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stringed instrument
The production of sound
…five sympathetic strings; and the viola d’amore typically has seven. Sympathetic strings are generally made of thin brass or steel, and their vibration reinforces the upper harmonics, thus producing a bright, silvery sound.
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…five sympathetic strings; and the viola d’amore typically has seven. Sympathetic strings are generally made of thin brass or steel, and their vibration reinforces the upper harmonics, thus producing a bright, silvery sound.
Read More

viola
Historical developments
The viola d’amore is a viol-violin hybrid played like a violin. It is of 18th-century origin, has six or seven melody strings and several sympathetic strings, and is unfretted. A 17th-century violin with five wire strings was also called viola d’amore. The viola da braccio, or…
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The viola d’amore is a viol-violin hybrid played like a violin. It is of 18th-century origin, has six or seven melody strings and several sympathetic strings, and is unfretted. A 17th-century violin with five wire strings was also called viola d’amore. The viola da braccio, or…
Read More