Tenor Viola da Gamba after Grancino
Viols with violin shaped outlines in the Italianate tradition offer a unique opportunity for expression of feeling and sound. This tenor with a corpus size of 56cm will have an all cedar top, with wonderfully figured Mahogany for the ribs and back. Like the original in the Orpheon consort collection, both plates will be arched, adding to the possibility of total control of sound. The rather heavy Blackwood scroll will provide a counterbalance in weight ratios, as well as optically matching the palates of maroon hues in the corpus.
Currently available at 8KEuro
Viola da Braccio 46cm Korpus. Inspired by Iconography in a painting by Domenico Tintoretto ( 1560–1635)
This unique viola da braccio designed for Early Renaissance performance with all gut stringing will be a special flight of fantasy, given the pairing of eccentric wood materials. The Spanish Cedar (Cedrela Oderata) top is the same species of wood used by Michel Colichon famously in his later bass viols. I am expecting a silky, dark melancholic tone but with balanced projection. Currently available for trail or shipping worldwide at 6K Euro.
Bass Viola da Gamba Inspired by Barak Norman
Inspired by the Napper Barak Norman bass viol, this walnut corpus instrument is a tribute to rare woods and fantasy sounds. The female carved head will feature a Moorish queen, the corpus with extensive and elaborate floral and purfling inlay. (SOLD)
Viola da Gamba Alla Bastarda 62cm Corpus
While there is some contention on whether the Viola Bastarda is merely a style of virtuoso solo bass viol playing common from about 1580 to 1630, or an actual instrument, the fact remains that there is a large body of repertoire which seemingly leans towards a corpus size smaller than that of a typical bass viola da gamba, and tenor. This petite corpus instrument at 62cm is a personal dream towards this aesthetic; all aspects of its construction will lean towards a sprightly, clear speaking yet brooding voice. Currently available in Spain for trial or shipping worldwide. 8000Euro
Lyra da Braccio after Giovanni Maria Brescia
A project to build a Lyra da Braccio after the famous instrument of Giovanni Maria is forthcoming, however delayed due to current commissions. While the original instrument has a body length of 38.7cm, I would be excited about the possibility and resonance of an instrument with a much larger corpus as in the iconography below. This would be an unfretted instrument, with special care allotted to the arc to the bridge thus allowing triple and quadruple stops to be played chordally. Please contact me for a dialogue should you have interest.
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