Viol

The viol (also viola da gamba, Italian: [ˈvjɔːla da (ɡ)ˈɡamba, viˈɔːla -], or informally gamba) is a family of bowed, fretted string instruments that developed in Spain in the late 15th century, particularly in Valencia within the Crown of Aragon, and subsequently spread to Italy and other parts of Europe. Most viols have six strings tuned primarily in fourths, with a third in the middle, and are played upright, with the instrument held on or between the legs—hence the Italian name viola da gamba, meaning "leg viol". Viols are distinguished from instruments of the violin family by features including their frets, tuning, generally flat backs and sloping shoulders, and the use of an underhand bow grip. The family developed in several sizes, most commonly treble, tenor and bass, and became widely used during the Renaissance and Baroque periods as solo, consort and continuo instruments. The early development of the viol was closely connected with the vihuela, a family of Spanish string instruments that could be played with the fingers, a plectrum or a bow. Bowed vihuelas were established in the Crown of Aragon by the late 15th century and contributed to the emergence of the viol family, which underwent further development in Italy during the 16th century. The term viola da gamba may refer to the viol family as a whole, although without qualification it commonly refers to the bass viol. Viols remained prominent in European art music through the 17th and 18th centuries before declining in use, and were revived in the 20th century as part of the historically informed performance movement.