The 'complesso di viole', an ensemble of all instruments from the viol family, was still successful in the early 17th century, despite the violin's growing prominence.
Composition History
Cardinal Francesco Barberini, nephew of Pope Urban VIII, maintained an ensemble of violas da gamba, acquiring new music specifically for them.
Historical Context
In 17th-century Rome, the French cleric Abbé Maugars noted a surprising lack of success for the viol, despite its popularity in England.
Historical Context
The English were renowned for their viol playing, so much so that Antonio Vivaldi later specifically requested 'viole a l'inglese' (viols in the English style) for his oratorio Juditha Triumphans.
Compositional Technique
Domenico Mazzocchi's madrigals, dedicated to Cardinal Barberini, were explicitly intended for performance with instruments, including the viol ensemble.
Composer Biography
Claudio Monteverdi, a renowned Italian composer, began his career at the Mantuan court as a violist, as shown in his oldest surviving portrait.
Historical Context
At the beginning of the Baroque era, while violins were developing rapidly in Northern Italy, luthiers also made violas da gamba, some of which still survive today.
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