Viola bastarda

The focus of this project is on instruments capable of performing the virtuoso ‘Viola bastarda’ repertoire. This music which dates from 1580 to 1630 takes its name from the fact that the style of performance goes beyond the boundaries of voice types (bass, tenor etc.), covering the entire ambitus, or ‘alla bastarda’. There is evidence to suggest that other instruments existed which were also perfectly able to cope with this impressive range.

As well as an international conference in November 2016 and a concert as part of the FAMB series, the findings of this research project were used to aid the construction of large gambas based on historical models by Milan-based instrument maker Pierre Bohr, ably assisted by Prof. Paolo Pandolfo. They are also used to produce a CD recording.
Project blog: https://blogs.fhnw.ch/violabastarda/