Letter from the President

If you want information about the viola da gamba (literally “viol of the leg,”), you have arrived at a very good place. This website represents a Society of about 1000 people who are dedicated to the viola da gamba and its music, both old and new, and we’re delighted to be able to reach anyone who has similar interests. We love to play music together and we’re always on the lookout for kindred spirits. On our site, you will find pictures, history, sound clips and even video "lessons" on the viol, as well as information about our Society and its activities.

The viola da gamba family of instruments came into being in the early 16th century, around the same time as the viola da braccio (literally “viol of the arm”), that is, the violin family. As time went on, the violin family took precedence in large ensembles, though the viol family has survived as the double bass of the modern orchestra. (The observant will note that this instrument, unlike violins, violas and ‘cellos, has sloping shoulders, strings tuned in fourths, and a bow held sometimes from underneath, unlike the members of the violin family.) Like the viola da braccio family, viols come in many sizes, from very small to very large. From the outset, they were played by cultured amateurs for the most part, some of whom were very advanced musicians despite the fact that they were not professional.

This remains the case in the 21st century. People who enjoy making music, in addition to just listening to it, are drawn to the viol. The repertory available to us spans music from the early 16th century right up to music that is being composed even as you read this message, and there are old instruments to be found as well as wonderful modern ones. A typical viol ensemble consists of two to six players, each with a part that is equally interesting musically and none of which requires virtuosic technical skills for a satisfying experience.

Incorporated in 1962 by a small group of enthusiasts meeting near Annapolis, MD, the VdGSA has members in North America and abroad, ranging from children not yet in their teens to nonagenarians, and in ability from beginners to advanced professionals with major careers. The VdGSA has a Board that is elected and appointed to guide the Society as it works to advance the knowledge and love of the viol. I am honored to be president of an association so devoted to its cause, where the spirit of cooperation carries over from our music-making into our deliberations on how best to make the viol accessible to all. Our initiatives include the formation and nurturing of chapters in metropolitan areas; an instrument rental program; grants to individuals and groups; a directory listing members and teachers geographically; a rich quarterly newsletter crammed with news of viol doings and advice on the care and playing of the viol; a refereed scholarly journal; listings of makers and vendors, classifieds, and much more.

The VdGSA Board guides the Society in its principal activity, the annual summer Conclave, which brings together 100-200 members for a week of classes, concerts, lectures, and casual playing, rotating among different parts of the US. At Conclaves, members can get their instruments and bows serviced or buy new ones, learn the latest ideas in practicing and playing, hear performances, buy music, and participate in ensemble playing at all levels and all hours of the day and night.

I suppose I count as a professional viol player, since even though I have a day job teaching music at a very large music school in Indiana, I am sometimes paid to play the viol and have the privilege of doing so with excellent players from around the US, Europe and Asia. But the distinction between professional and amateur is blurred in the VdGSA. We share a love for the instrument and its repertory; we all have different levels of expertise and knowledge, from absolute beginner to very advanced players. We heartily welcome new members, and we hope you will enjoy this website and possibly consider joining our merry company.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have questions or comments about our instrument or our website.

Wendy Gillespie
VdGSA President