VIOLS Meaning and
Definition
-
Viols refer to a family of musical instruments that originated during the Renaissance and became particularly popular during the Baroque era. They are bowed string instruments that can vary in size, range, and voice, and are played with a bow similar to that used with a violin. The term "viols" can be used to describe both the instrument family as a whole and individual instruments within the family.
Viols typically have a fretted fingerboard, which sets them apart from their violin counterparts. This fretting system enables musicians to more easily and accurately navigate the notes while playing. Viols come in various sizes, ranging from the treble viol, which is the smallest and highest-pitched, to the bass viol, which is the largest and produces the deepest tones. Other members of the family include the tenor, alto, and soprano viols.
Viols were widely utilized in chamber music, vocal accompaniment, and solo performances. Due to their rich, warm, and expressive tones, viols were often favored for creating a mellow and melancholic ambiance in compositions.
Although the popularity of viols declined in the late 17th century with the rise of the violin family, they continue to be played today by both historical instrument enthusiasts and contemporary musicians aiming to recreate the authentic sounds of early music.
Common Misspellings for VIOLS
Etymology of VIOLS
The word "viols" has an etymology rooted in the Latin language. It ultimately derives from the Latin noun "vitula", which referred to an ancient Roman stringed instrument. Over time, "vitula" gave rise to the Old French word "vielle", meaning "fiddle" or "vielle à archet", which referred to a bowed string instrument.
In English, the term "viols" emerged in the 15th century as a plural form of "viol", which originally denoted a specific type of medieval bowed string instrument. The word "viol" came from the Old French "viole", which was borrowed from the Latin "vitula". Gradually, "viols" began to refer collectively to a family of bowed string instruments, including the bass viol, tenor viol, and treble viol, which were popular during the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Similar spelling words for VIOLS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
