This book traces the development of the viol from its late medieval Spanish origins to the sixteenth century, when it became the most widely played bowed instrument in western Europe. Ian Woodfield examines the two most important ancestors of the instrument, the Moorish rahab and the vihuela de mano. From these two instruments emerged an early form of viol, the Valencian vihuela de arco, which spread rapidly across the Mediterranean during the papacy of Rodrigo Borgia. The viol was enthusiastically accepted by the d'Este and Gonzaga families and other Italian arbiters before migrating across the Alps and into the rest of Europe. The author discusses all aspects of the viol during its Renaissance hey-day: the growing perfection of viol design at the hands of Italian craftsmen; the gradual evolution of tuning systems; the development of advanced playing techniques and the wide range of music, both solo and consort. The final chapter examines the growth of a viol playing tradition in sixteenth-century England, in particular in the London choir-schools. Dr Woodfield brings iconographic evidence and an interesting approach to this study which will be of interest to musicologists, iconographers, organologists and viol players.

Early Music History is devoted to the study of music from the early Middle Ages to the end of the seventeenth century. It demands the highest standards of scholarship from its contributors, all of whom are leading academics in their fields. It gives preference to studies pursuing interdisciplinary approaches and to those developing novel methodological ideas. The scope is exceptionally broad and includes manuscript studies, textual criticism, iconography, studies of the relationship between words and music and the relationship between music and society. Articles in volume six include: On the question of psalmody in the ancient synagogue; Music and grammar: imitation and analogy in Morales and the Spanish humanists; and a Florentine chansonnier of the early sixteenth century.

An invaluable guide to the available historical source material on playing the violin and viola.

This volume examines in detail the numerous violin treatises of the late- 18th and early-19th centuries. It provides an historical and technical guide to violin pedagogical method, technique and performance practice during this period.

“A History of the Violin Bow” is a collection of classic articles on the subject of the violin, with a particular focus on the bow. The articles explore a range of topics from the history and origins of the violin, to notable makers, rare examples, and beyond. This volume is highly recommended for violin players and those with an interest in the history of this wonderful instrument. Contents include: “Old Violins and Violin Lore, by H. R. Haweis”, “The Fiddler Fancier's Guide, by James M. Fleming”, “History of the Violin”, and “Catalog of Rare Old Violins, Violas, and Violoncellos – Also Bows of Rare Makers, by Lyon and Healy”. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on the history of the violin.