The viola d'amore is a baroque instrument related to the viol family. Its origins are mysterious and much debated, but on this page we'll try to learn a little more about this cousin of the violin.
The history of the viola d'amore
Probable origins of the viola d'amore
The viola d'amore is a Baroque instrument of European origin that seems to draw its inspiration primarily from Eastern traditions. Several clues point in this direction: firstly, the use of the " flaming sword " for the soundholes, a symbol associated withIslam. Another common feature of this viol is the use of sympathetic strings, which give it its distinctive sound. Their use is quite popular in the East(sarangi or Indian sitar, etc.). However, despite this legend, I have been told that these Oriental attributes only appeared in the 20thcentury.
On the other hand, the phenomenon of sympathetic strings had long been known in Europe. It's an effect found on the unmuffled metal strings of a harpsichord or clavichord. The English are said to have been very fond of the concept, as far back as the 17thcentury.
Similarly, the instrument was originally called the viola da Moor, after the Muslim people of North Africa. During the Middle Ages, the Moors had spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula, part of France, the islands of Malta and Sicily, bringing Arab culture to Europe. The name was gradually transformed into viola d'amore through misuse of language.
It is also often said to owe its name to the blindfolded woman's head lining the scroll. As a symbol of the blindness attributed to love.
The popularity of the viola d'amore
The popularity of the viola d'amore began to grow in late 17th century Europe, appearing in the works of such composers as J.S. Bach, Antonio Vivaldi and Joseph Haydn. Then, in the face of increasingly large and powerful orchestras, it fell into disuse during the 19th century in the face of the violin family. Interest in this instrument revived with the 20th-century quest for authenticity in the interpretation of Baroque music, and the rediscovery of the viols that gave it all its sound and meaning.
The descendants
Nevertheless, the viola d'amore has left a mark on the musical landscape that has endured over the centuries, most notably on folk instruments. The violetta marina or the Turkish siné keman are very close relatives indeed, and the Norwegian hardingfela or violon d'amour are fiddles with sympathetic strings.
The current situation
Today, the viola d'amore is alive and well, with fantastic solo players and chamber ensembles. Numerous written pieces are available, and many violin makers produce magnificent examples. Likewise, more and more teachers and musicians are being seduced into learning this instrument. Making it, more than ever, a worthy representative of the bowed string family.
Structure
Viols d'amore come in many shapes and styles. All these liberties taken by Baroque makers have largely contributed to the mystery that surrounds this instrument.
The body
The shape of a viola d'amore is relatively similar to that of a viol, and can take several forms:
- Without corners, like a guitar.
- With corners, like a viol.
Like viols, this instrument has a flat back, sloping at the top, very high sides and sometimes a rosette on the top, just below the fingerboard. One of the things that distinguishes it from a viol is that it has no frets.
The head
The instrument's head also comes in a variety of forms, mainly in two styles. Either a carved head with an animal or human figure, or a stylized shield or heart shape. This part is really quite free, and the pegbox, headstock or fingerboard can be highly ornamented or in a more sober, classical style.
The strings
The number of strings on a viola d'amore generally varies between 6 and 14. But some models have even more. These strings were divided into two categories: playable strings and sympathetic strings.
- Playable strings are gut strings above the fingerboard, generally tuned in fourths and thirds. Their tuning had to be adapted to the different pieces played by musicians(scordatura) before being standardized in A D D F# D towards the end of the 18th century. There are usually 6 or 7 of them.
- The sympathetic strings that run beneath the fingerboard are often made of metal. They vibrate by resonance with the notes being played, creating that special ghostly effect. These strings generally double the playing strings.
Viole d'amour by Guillaume KESSLER in 2015:
The making of the viola d'amore
If you're looking for a viola d'amore, you can usually find one in my workshop or in my boutique. As each one is different, you may also wish to have one made to suit your tastes and needs. To do so, please visit my page dedicated to themaking of instruments in my workshop, or contact me directly.
