Monteverde. It was common for the Organ or other keyed instrument to join with the viols in these pieces, and thus fill out the chords of the 'consort,' as it was called.
We still have one of the viol tribe left in our orchestra. The double-bass (or viol-one) is lineal descendant of the Chest of viols. Its shape, especially at the shoulders, is quite characteristic, and elsewhere—e.g., the blunt curves of the waist, the outline of the back, and even the shape of the bow.
The practice of playing extempore variations on the viol da gamba has already been mentioned as one of the elegant accomplishments of a gentleman in those days. The following two quotations therefore will not require further remark.
Tw. 13, 24.
Maria [of Sir Andrew Aguecheek].… he's a very fool, and a prodigal.
Sir Toby. Fie, that you'll say so! he plays o' the viol-de-gamboys … and hath all the good gifts of nature.
Richard II. 13, 159. Banishment of Norfolk.
| Norfolk. | The language I have learn'd these forty years, My native English, now I must forego; And now my tongue's use is to me no more Than an unstringed viol, or a harp; |
