The Viola d'Amore: Its History and Development

The viola damore is a Baroque-era bowed string instrument with a unique tone produced by metal sympathetic strings. This book provides the first scholarly history of the instrument, examining its origins, development, and legacy in Elizabethan England. It explores the variation of designs and its influence on other instruments, and discusses its revival and use today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The viola damore, a captivating bowed string instrument that thrived during the Baroque era, has been given a scholarly treatment in this comprehensive book. Its unique tone, created by a set of metal sympathetic strings, set it apart from other instruments of its time. While composers like Bach embraced the viola damore for its distinctive sound, it eventually lost favor amidst the orchestral standardization of the late 18th century. However, as interest in early music and historical performance grew, the viola damore experienced a revival, finding new appreciation among musicians and enthusiasts alike.

To unravel the origins and evolution of the viola damore, the book draws upon a wealth of literary accounts, iconography, and surviving instruments. It delves into the rich variety of designs showcased in extant viola damore specimens, both as they were originally constructed and as a result of conversion and repair. The viola damore is placed within the broader context of Elizabethan England's development of instruments with wire strings, highlighting its significance in the evolution of musical instruments.

Furthermore, the book explores the viola damore's nomenclatorial and organological influence, shedding light on the naming conventions and classification systems that shaped its development. It also discusses the viola damore's revival, examining its use and manufacture in contemporary times. This study not only enhances our understanding of the viola damore but also contributes to the broader field of organological research and historical performance practice.

In conclusion, this book provides a profound and detailed exploration of the viola damore, a beloved instrument that has withstood musical history. Through its meticulous research and insightful analysis, it offers valuable insights for musicians, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, enriching our knowledge of both the viola damore and its wider family of instruments.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367513733